Cases from yesterdays sheriff court sitting

Husband blamed wife for home fire - court hears
A MAN threatened his wife while blaming her for the fire which forced them to seek alternative accommodation, Wick Sheriff Court was told yesterday.
John Goodbrand, 56, admitted abusive or threatening behaviour and was given time to allow him to demonstrate he can stay out of trouble.
The incident occurred at their temporary address at Room 133 Ormlie Lodge, Thurso, on July 26, while repairs were being carried out to their fire-damaged home.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that the accused had words with his wife, Janet Goodbrand, having taken the view that it was her fault for having lit candles..
The fiscal depute explaimed: “Goodbrand was expressing his displeasure and shouted at her. He threatened to hit her but did not carry that out.”
The outburst was heard by another resident in the block and the police were contacted.
Solicitor Neil Wilson said that Goodbrand was upset, and had unfortunately “expressed himself in an inappropriate manner” and "gone a little over the top".
Sheriff Andrew Berry will see a supplementary report on Goodbrand when he returns to court on February 7.
Accused of attempting to defeat ends of justice
A THURSO man stands accused of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
Alan Cooper, 55, of Pennyland Drive, pleaded not guilty to the indictment.
It alleges that, believing that Mark Macleod had made a complaint to the police that he had been assaulted by the accused’s son, Darren Cooper, attempted to intimidate the complainer in a telephone call, to the extent that he would not co-operate with any investigation with the intention of defeating the ends of justice.
The offence is said to have taken place on October 15, last year. The court will hear progress on legal arrangements for the trial, on September 19.