Set herself alight

[Nwicker60]

Prompt action prevents serious injuries to woman

A WOMAN poured fuel over herself in a supermarket carpark and ignited it, the sheriff court at Wick heard today.
Horrified shoppers and police officers sprang to her rescue and saved her from serious injury, Sheriff Andrew Berry was told at Wick, yesterday.
Appearing from custody without any apparent injuries, was 35-year-old Laura Garbutt who admitted a breach of the peace. She was granted bail while a background and medical reports are prepared.
The incident occurred at the Co-op store in Thurso Road, Wick on June 4.
David Barclay, prosecuting, maintained it was only the "prompt intervention" by onlookers and the police that prevented Garbutt being seriously injured. He added that the incident had potentially put others at risk.
Mr Barclay said that the accused clearly had issues in her life which would have to be resolved. He told the court that while there had been some difficulty in accessing Garbutt's medical records, an initial psychiatric assessment had concluded that Garbutt was sane and fit to plead.
The fiscal added that there were clearly issues in the accused's life that had to be addressed.
In addition to the medical help, a local minister was said to be lending support.
Sheriff Berry said he didn't think it would be in the interests of justice to remand Garbutt, of 13 Tower Hill Road, Thurso, but told her: "I hope you will understand that there is a high degree of trust being put in you"
The sheriff urged her to continue co-operating with those supporting her prior to returning to court on July 3..