More cases from the sheriff court

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Driver so drunk she had to be helped from vehicle

A DRIVER was so drunk that police had to help her out of her car, Wick Sheriff Court heard this week.
Angela Campbell, 47, was four times the legal limit.
She admitted being in charge of her car while unfit through drink or drugs. Sheriff Andrew Berry called for a background report on Campbell who is meantime banned from driving.
Police were contacted, after Campbell, of Aultwick, Sinclair Street, Halkirk, was observed sitting in her car in Market Square, Wick, drinking from a bottle, at 9am on October 12, last year.
When officers arrived on the scene, Campbell was asleep behind the wheel, the car keys on her lap along with two bottles.
David Barclay, prosecuting, said that the accused had to be helped out of the vehicle and was unable to stand unaided.
Police were concerned about her state of health so she was taken to Caithness General Hospital for a check-up. A blood sample revealed a reading of 324 micrograms - the legal limit is 100 milligrams.
Campbell told police she "realised she had made a terrible mistake".
She will reappear in the court for sentence on March 20.

Nightclub ban for punch accused

A TEENAGER, who threw a punch in a Wick nightclub has been fined £265 and banned from the premises for six months.
Electrician Mark MacDougall, 38, admitted assaulting Craig Jappy at the Waterfront nightspot, on Christmas Day, last. It was stated that they were exchanging words over a woman when the accused lashed out. striking Mr Jappy on his head.
When interviewed by the police, MacDougall, of 13 Green Road, Wick, said he had no recollection of the incident as he had been drinking.
Sheriff Andrew Berry pointed out to the 18-year-old first offender, the danger that a single punch could have serious consequences in situations where a victim falls and strikes his head.

Drink could shorten your life accused told

THE sheriff warned an alcoholic that if he didn't take steps to address his problem he might die prematurely.
The accused, Martin Miller, 38, stole a bottle of vodka and a case of lager from a Co-op store in Thurso, on November 22nd, last year to feed his addiction.
Miller, of 11 Broomhill Road, Thurso, admitted a charge of theft and was fined £200. It was stated that the accused's latest effort to stop drinking involved a course of treatment at an Inverness centre, late last year, but he had again lapsed.
Sheriff Berry observed that various agencies had tried in vain to help Miller with his 'chronic' long-standing problem and warned him that it was only if he decided, seriously, to address it, that he could have "some hope of not bringing his life to an early end."
The sheriff added that Miller had put store staff to no end of trouble, replacing the stock and liaising with the police regarding statements.

Fight challenge in pub cost travelling worker £500

Robert Jones, 29, of 25 Dalry Road, Kilbirnie, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour in the Grove Lounge, Thurso, on October 19 and a record.
It was stated that police only found out about the incident when they attended to investigate an unrelated matter.
Jones was said to have been under the influence of drink when he repeatedly challenged William Fenton outside, to fight, under the impression he was 'f****** English'.
Sheriff Berry told Jones: "You of all people should know, that being abusive to anyone in a public place would put your liberty in jeodardy."
The sheriff, noting the accused's past convictions, rejected a claim that he had turned his life around.
Sheriff Berry added: "You are in well-paid employment and if you are going to travel round the country, I suggest you refrain from drinking. It is quite surprising the number of people who come to work in this part of the country and manage to get themselves into difficulty and don't think of the consequences that might follow."