Wick woman was victim of extortion

[Nwicker60]

Accused took her benefit payments and then her medication

A WICK man volunteered to look out for a new neighbour but it wasn’t a friendly gesture the town’s sheriff court heard today.
Alexander MacAlpine had an extortion racket in mind and threatened Angela Polson if she didn’t pay up.
The court heard that between July 2010 and April 2012, Ms Polson, of Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick, made regular protection payments of £150 from her benefit allowance until she had nothing left.
MacAlpine,23, described as a prisoner at Inverness Prison, then pressured her to give him her prescribed medication. Eventually, Ms Polson's health began to suffer and social workers sensed something was wrong and raised the alarm.
MacAlpine admitted extortion and an extensive record. He was remanded in custody pending sentence on October 5 when Sheriff Andrew Berry will see a background report.