Drunk man resented police help court heard

POLICE who tried to help a man lying drunk in a car park, didn’t get the reaction they expected.
Francis McPhee swore at the officers Wick Sheriff Court was told.
McPhee, 24, was heavily intoxicated and there were children in the vicinity of the Thurso cinema car park, at the time of the offence on August 27.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that the police had observed McPhee lying on his back with a half-empty bottle of cider beside him. He was clearly under the influence of alcohol on other occasion and the officers were concerned to ensure that he got home safely. McPhee responded using the 'f'' word. Mr Barclay added that the police made the comment that they McPhee had come to their attention on numerous occasion while under the influence of drink.
His solicitor, Neil Wilson, said that the accused was seeking help for his addiction.
Sheriff Andrew Berry released McPhee who had been in custody for a week, on bail to his girlfriend’s home, and will be given a progress report on him in a month’s time.

Drugs mother making progress

THE sheriff was impressed with the progress being made by a mother who was under the influence of a substance while caring for her young daughter.
The mother previously admitted having not be in a fit and proper state while looking after the youngster, at her home on September 15, last year.
The accused was previously given an opportunity to stay out of trouble and show evidence of trying to get her life back on track and the court heard that she had done so. A background report indicated that she had taken steps to tackle her misuse of drugs and was “doing well”.
Admonishing her, Sheriff Berry said: “It is quite clear there are still ongoing issues for your to address but you are doing your best to do so. You are a good parent and there is every reason to suggest that this offence won’t happen again.”
The accused cannot be named for legal reasons.