Begg to spend Christmas behind bars
A THURSO man's sarcastic comment after learning he would remain behind bars over the festive season nearly landed him in more trouble.
John Begg, 23, appeared bemused by the proceedings at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday, prior to a date being fixed for his trial on a charge of pestering a woman with text messages and phone calls.
Bail was refused and as he was led from the dock, Begg, of 1 Strathy House, Thurso, commented to Sheriff Andrew Berry - "Thank you...very much appreciated."
Sheriff Berry immediately ordered Begg back into the dock and returned him to the cells to reflect on the remark and would consider later, whether it constituted a contempt of court.
Begg, who was out on licence from prison, duly reappeared and tendered an unreserved apology through his solicitor, Neil Wilson, who added that the accused now appreciated the seriousness of his behaviour.
The apology was accepted by the sheriff who remanded Begg pending his trial on his birthday, January 8. The charge, which he denies, alleges he put a woman in a state of fear and alarm by sending her the series of messages to her at her home in Wick between October 1 and December 10, this year.