Back in jail a fortnight after being released

Man with appalling record jailed for six months

A MAN released from prison a fortnight ago was jailed for six months today, by a sheriff who described his record as “appalling”.
Alexander Johnston, of Wellington Street, Wick, had previously admitted having behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at the One Stop Shop in the same street, last week.
Wick Sheriff Court was told that Johnston, 49, asked for some cigarette papers but was told he couldn’t be served, as he was barred from the shop, and was then asked to leave. Johnston left shouting he was going to get the assistant’s grandfather who would not like to see him (the accused) when he was mad.
Solicitor Sylvia MacLennan said that Johnston had been drinking on the day in question but hoped to go on a detox programme in an attempt to end his long association with alcohol.
Sheriff Andrew Berry said that the accused’s "appalling record" was “second to none” and told him he had behaved in “a shameful manner” to the shop assistant. The sheriff added that in the public interest, he had to impose a custodial sentence.