Detention for youth who abused council officials
ATEENAGER who abused two council workers, when they called to see his pregnant girlfriend, was sentenced to six months detention, at Wick Sheriff Court today.
Peter Campbell, of Ackergill Crescent, Wick, had previously admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the pair, one a social worker, the other a housing officer.
The offences occurred only hours after Campbell (18) had been granted bail on an unrelated matter.
The officials called on July 26 to see Dianna Finlayson, who was in the early stages of pregnancy, at her home in Dunnet Avenue, Wick. Campbell appeared to resent their presence and suggested they were interfering.
He shouted at them and accused the social worker of “raking up his past”. The police were called, and Campbell was arrested.
Sheriff Andrew Berry described the accused’s conduct as “wholly inexcusable”.

Pepper Guard claim rejected by sheriff

THE SHERIFF refused to accept an excuse he was given by a man who said he had found a personal anti-attack device in his garden.
The accused Steven Gallagher (41) made the claim after admitted having a Pepper Guard in his possession at a house in Nicolson Street, Wick.
He said he had discovered the prohibited weapon in the garden of his home in Battery Road, Wick, and had taken it into his house and forgot about it for some years.
Sheriff Berry described the explanation as “highly unlikely” but took into account the fact that Gallagher had stayed out of trouble for the past 10 years and appeared to be “a changed man”.
The accused was ordered to carry out 180 hours unpaid community service.

Over the limit

A REAY man who drove with excess alcohol, was fined £225 and banned from driving for sixteen months.
Donald Mackinnon admitted the offence which occurred in Meadow Lane, Thurso, on May 30.
He was breathalysed positive and a subsequent test reveal a breath- alcohol level of 92 micrograms, almost three times the legal limit of 35mgs.
Mackinnon (50) of The Crescent, Reay, was advised that he could reduce the disqualification by a quarter, if he successfully completes the drinks-drivers rehabilitation course.
Man alleged to have cut himself for compensation

False claims alleged

A THURSO man is to stand trial on charges of making false claims to various agencies and attempting to obtain compensation.
Liam Henderson (24) of St John’s House, Thurso, denies making a false complaint to the police and hospital authorities, that he had been the victim of a knife attack by an unknown person, when in fact he had inflicted the injury on himself, and making false representations to the Criminal Injuries Board to in a bid to get compensation, by fraud. The offences are alleged to have occurred on February 4, this year.
His trial will take place on November 10.