Cases from yesterday's sheriff court

Cool it! - sheriff advises men who lose the plot at home

YOUNG men responsible for domestic disturbances must learn to control their tempers.
The advice was handed out by local sheriff Andrew Berry after he had dealt with the second such incident, at Wick, yesterday.
The sheriff said it seemed to be a day of cases featuring young men who didn’t know how to deal with often the simplest of problems by “losing the place” and shouting and swearing and punching doors.
Sheriff Berry added: “You have to accept that you can’t behave like that. It is not the way to deal with your difficulties.”
In the dock was Ryan Thomson, who admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards his pregnant partner, Chelsea Paton.
The court was told that the incident, at their home in Upper Dunbar Street, Wick, on May 3, stemmed from whether or not, Ms Paton should go for an overnight stay with her family.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that the situation became heated and Thomson began to shout at his partner before venting his anger on a door, lashing out at it. He took responsibility for his actions when interviewed by police and said that both his partner and himself had become agitated in a row over family problems.
Sheriff Berry, who saw a background report, which contained “some positive aspects” in Thomson’s life, deferred sentence for six months to allow, the accused, a first offender, of Argyle Square, Wick, to demonstrate he can behave himself.

Punched wall and took door off its hinges

In another domestic case, trouble flared two months after a couple decided to call it a day.
Nathan Galloway and Chelsea MacIntosh had, despite the break-up, continued to live under the same roof while he sorted out alternative accommodation.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that it wasn't clear how the incident arose, at their home in Royal Terrace, Thurso, but Galloway,19, became angry on May 4, shouted at his partner and threw a drink over her.
He then proceeded to direct his anger at a wall punching two holes in it and slammed a door so hard, it came off its hinges.
The sheriff court was told that Galloway realised he had overstepped the mark and when the police arrived, informed them - "I am the one you want."
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald told the court that alternative accommodation had become available for the accused on the night in question, underlining the end of their relationship and said: "Matters just came to a head". She added, however: "Things calmed down almost as quick as they arose".
Sentence was deferred on Galloway, a first offender, now of 37 Holborn Avenue, Thurso, for six months to allow him to demonstrate he can behave.

Community service one option....jail another sheriff warns accused

The sheriff has warned a drinks-driver with more than three times the legal limit, that a prison sentence was an option.
Sheriff Berry observed that John Gunn was "no stranger to the courts" and had convictions that included driving offences.
Gunn was found to have a breath-alcohol reading of 126 microgrammes - the legal limit is 35mgs - after being stopped by police in Millbank Road, Thurso, on April 24.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gunn, of Gardeners Cottage, Latheronwheel, was taking steps to address his difficulties with alcohol.
The case was continued to investigate the possibility of unpaid community service as one sentencing option. The court, was told that light duties at a day care sentence might be available for Gunn who has a back problem.
However, Sheriff Berry, commenting on the accused's record, said the breath-alcohol reading was "very high" warned the 51-year-old that he had not ruled out a prison sentence.
Gunn will return to court on June 13.

Two offences in a week – a cause for concern

IN a a separate case, Richard Collier was found to have a breath-alcohol level of 52mgs – the legal limit is 35mgs – when found seated in the driving seat of his car, by police
The 20-year-old admitted the offence which occurred on February 1, in Portland Place Lybster where he lives. A week later, Collier assaulted Nicholas Nyland at a house in the village, by punched him, pushing him to the floor and kicking him. Collier also admitted that offence.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said a background report was positive and Collier recognised the “dangerous” course of action” he had chosen to follow.
Sheriff Berry said that the fact, the accused had committed two offences in such a short time, was a cause for concern. He ordered Collier to carry out 72 hours of unpaid community service and imposed 10 penalty points on his licence, on the drinks driving charge.
Sentence was deferred on the assault for six months on a good behaviour bond.