Cases from the sheriff court

[Nwicker60]

Mum who left youngster "in a mess" is turning things around

A YOUNG Caithness mother, who left her two-year-old son in unhygenic conditions in an upstairs room, six months ago, was yesterday said to be putting her best foot forward in making amends.
The 20-year-old mum previously admitted, at Wick Sheriff Court, causing the youngster unnecessary suffering on February 6, last year, while she was under the influence of an unknown substance to such an extend that she was unfit to care for him.
The court heard that the room the boy had been left in, was "in a mess". There were rubbish bags piled up and a bottle near his cot, was undrinkable.
When the accused, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared for sentence today, the court was told that she was co-operating with the authorities to improve her domestic and parenting skills under supervision. The youngster is in care.
Sheriff Andrew Berry was advised that the mother had not been in trouble since her initial appearance and admonished her.


Don't harass your ex, or face a custodial sentence - sheriff

A SHERIFF has warned a Wick man about the consequences that await him if he tries to harass his ex-girlfriend again.
The accused, Cameron Gibson couldn’t bear to see her with the new man in her life when he encountered them in the local branch of Tesco. He shouted at Sarah O’ Hare and Aaron Wilson on January 6 and threatened him with violence.
They bumped into each other again, outside the store, in the car park and Gibson 19, again shouted at Mr Wilson.
Gibson, of Bexley Terrace, Wick, appeared for sentence on Friday having spent a month on remand. He admitted threatening or abusive behaviour and breaching a bail condition banning him from approaching Miss O’ Hare.
Solicitor Neil Wilson said that the accused’s conduct was unacceptable and added: “He took the break-up of his relationship badly, but has had time to reflect on matters and now realises that it is over.”
Sheriff Berry expressed the hope that this Gibson appreciated this and that any further contact with Miss O’Hare would result in him returning to custody.
The sheriff added: “ Neither this court or any other will have any hesitation in sending you into custody.”