East Lothian mum who took photo in court of man who was nearly killed by her son and called him a 'grass' on Facebook spared jail

A mother who took a photo of the survivor of a murder bid during her son's trial for the crime before posting it on a social media and branding him a "grass" was spared jail today.

A judge told Dawn Reilly that he had no doubt the intention was to intimidate the victim and other witnesses during the proceedings at the High Court in Edinburgh.

Lord Boyd of Duncansby said mother-of-six Reilly had displayed "the mentality of the mob" and her actions struck at the administration of justice.

The judge said that such an offence would normally attract a significant prison sentence.

But he said he accepted that in Reilly's case there were circumstances which meant he should consider a non-custodial disposal.

Lord Boyd ordered Reilly, 42, to carry out 200 hours unpaid work under a community payback order.

He also ordered Reilly not to post anything on social media about Rhys Reynolds, 26, who was the victim of the attempted murder or to approach or contact him for two years. She was also made the subject of a two year supervision requirement.

Reilly, of Grange Crescent West, Prestonpans, in East Lothian, said at the end of the judge's sentencing at the High Court in Edinburgh: "Thank you very much."

Lord Boyd said her offence occurred when she was under "considerable strain" seeing her son, 18, on trial for attempted murder.

He said she was the victim of domestic abuse over a prolonged period of time and continued to suffer the mental effects of it.

Lord Boyd said the grandmother-of-two still had three children living with her and added: "I have no doubt your children would be adversely effected by a custodial sentence imposed upon you."

The judge said a community payback order was a direct alternative to imprisonment.

Reilly earlier admitted committing a breach of the peace on August 14 last year during the trial of her son Kane Reilly which was being held at then sheriff courthouse in Edinburgh.

She took a photo of Mr Reynolds who was then giving evidence and posted it on public social media with derogatory remarks and other comments while the trial was continuing and other civilian witnesses still had to give evidence.

Her son was one of six accused who were originally jailed for a total of 47 years following the horrific Hogmanay attack on Mr Reynolds who was hunted down in the street by the pack.

He was chased and set upon by the gang and was repeatedly punched, kicked and stamped on in the attack at Delta Drive, Musselburgh, in East Lothian.

Mr Reynolds was also assaulted with knives, a pole and one attacker struck him with a slab or rock.

The victim suffered 36 injuries, including facial fractures and bleeding to the brain following the incident on December 31 in 2018.

Most of the attackers have since seen their jail terms reduced with Reilly's son, who was one of five convicted of attempted murder