Nwicker60
15-Sep-12, 10:41
Accused given rehab chance by sheriff
A WICK man, who threatened the police in his latest brush with the law, was given a chance by Wick Sheriff Andrew Berry.
He deferred sentence on Sandy Johnston after hearing that a place had been found for him at Inverness rehabilitation centre, Beechwood House.
Johnson (50) previously pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour on two occasions at Wick police station, and possession of cannabis resin, earlier this year. In one of the incidents, he threatened to “kill officers stone dead”.
Solicitor Neil Wilson made reference to Johnston’s “appalling record” and insisted that the accused would have to go straight to Beechwood House, otherwise he would simply go “right back into his old ways”.
Mr Wilson suggested that someone drive Johnston there, from the cells at Wick, ensuring he didn’t “stray from the right path”.
Sheriff Berry, who agreed, told Johnston: “I hope you understand that lot of people have put in a lot of effort into this."
The court will hear a progress report on October 5.
All sentencing options open for mail thief
THE sheriff has warned a postman, who stole mail packages, that all sentencing options are open.
Sheriff Berry said: “I regard this as a serious matter and a breach of trust.”
The accused Robert McIlroy (47) of Scarfs Craig Place, Wick, was said to have been under financial pressure when he removed 13 packages containing cash, on his Wick-Inverness run. He was caught in a sting operation by Royal Mail.
MacIlroy, who pleaded guilty, was due to be sentenced on Friday, but was continued for three weeks to allow clarification on his medical condition. The accused was said to be signed off his work with depression.
Solicitor Sylvia MacLennan said that MacIlroy was “extremely distressed and ashamed” to find himself in court and intended moving south to be near family in Coatbridge.
Broke woman’s leg
Gary Thomson is facing the unusual charge of culpable and reckless conduct.
Thomson (41) described as a prisoner at Inverness Prison, pleaded guilty, on indictment, to an amended count.
It states that he sat on Carol Anne Fraser’s bed, at 52 Glamis Road, Wick, on June 24, while she was sleeping and broke her left leg to her severe injury.
Sheriff Andrew Berry accepted a suggestion from solicitor Neil Wilson that a background report would be necessary, given the nature of the charge and the accused’s record.
Thomson was remanded in custody pending his next appearance, on October 5.
Trial date for alleged drug supplier
Robert Barnetson is to stand trial on October 30 on a charged of supplying cannabis resin.
The offence is alleged to have taken place at West Yarrows Croft on October 14.
Barnetson (41) of Huddart Street, Wick, denies the indictment.
Sentence deferred on man who killed dog
SENTENCE has been deferred on a Wick man who stabbed the dog he loved in a drink-fuelled frenzy.
The court was told that a psychiatric report on Alexander McPhee, called for at a previous hearing had still to be completed, and the case was continued to October 5.
McPhee (44) of Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, was said to have stabbed the dog nine times but didn’t remember anything about the attack which had left his “absolutely devastated”.
Alcohol was said to have been “a crucial aspect” in the case. The accused, who pleaded guilty to causing his collie-cross unnecessary suffering, on September 2, last, is currently under a ban from keeping a pet, although it was stated he had no desire to have one again.
A WICK man, who threatened the police in his latest brush with the law, was given a chance by Wick Sheriff Andrew Berry.
He deferred sentence on Sandy Johnston after hearing that a place had been found for him at Inverness rehabilitation centre, Beechwood House.
Johnson (50) previously pleaded guilty to threatening behaviour on two occasions at Wick police station, and possession of cannabis resin, earlier this year. In one of the incidents, he threatened to “kill officers stone dead”.
Solicitor Neil Wilson made reference to Johnston’s “appalling record” and insisted that the accused would have to go straight to Beechwood House, otherwise he would simply go “right back into his old ways”.
Mr Wilson suggested that someone drive Johnston there, from the cells at Wick, ensuring he didn’t “stray from the right path”.
Sheriff Berry, who agreed, told Johnston: “I hope you understand that lot of people have put in a lot of effort into this."
The court will hear a progress report on October 5.
All sentencing options open for mail thief
THE sheriff has warned a postman, who stole mail packages, that all sentencing options are open.
Sheriff Berry said: “I regard this as a serious matter and a breach of trust.”
The accused Robert McIlroy (47) of Scarfs Craig Place, Wick, was said to have been under financial pressure when he removed 13 packages containing cash, on his Wick-Inverness run. He was caught in a sting operation by Royal Mail.
MacIlroy, who pleaded guilty, was due to be sentenced on Friday, but was continued for three weeks to allow clarification on his medical condition. The accused was said to be signed off his work with depression.
Solicitor Sylvia MacLennan said that MacIlroy was “extremely distressed and ashamed” to find himself in court and intended moving south to be near family in Coatbridge.
Broke woman’s leg
Gary Thomson is facing the unusual charge of culpable and reckless conduct.
Thomson (41) described as a prisoner at Inverness Prison, pleaded guilty, on indictment, to an amended count.
It states that he sat on Carol Anne Fraser’s bed, at 52 Glamis Road, Wick, on June 24, while she was sleeping and broke her left leg to her severe injury.
Sheriff Andrew Berry accepted a suggestion from solicitor Neil Wilson that a background report would be necessary, given the nature of the charge and the accused’s record.
Thomson was remanded in custody pending his next appearance, on October 5.
Trial date for alleged drug supplier
Robert Barnetson is to stand trial on October 30 on a charged of supplying cannabis resin.
The offence is alleged to have taken place at West Yarrows Croft on October 14.
Barnetson (41) of Huddart Street, Wick, denies the indictment.
Sentence deferred on man who killed dog
SENTENCE has been deferred on a Wick man who stabbed the dog he loved in a drink-fuelled frenzy.
The court was told that a psychiatric report on Alexander McPhee, called for at a previous hearing had still to be completed, and the case was continued to October 5.
McPhee (44) of Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, was said to have stabbed the dog nine times but didn’t remember anything about the attack which had left his “absolutely devastated”.
Alcohol was said to have been “a crucial aspect” in the case. The accused, who pleaded guilty to causing his collie-cross unnecessary suffering, on September 2, last, is currently under a ban from keeping a pet, although it was stated he had no desire to have one again.