Sheriff gives bail breacher a chance

A SHERIFF admitted to being at a loss as how to deal with a serial bail breacher.
Sheriff Andrew Berry turned to Janet Goodbrand's solicitor, Fiona MacDonald, with the comment - "I was hoping you might have come up with something inventive because I am struggling."
However, the sheriff opted to impose a period of unpaid work in the community as a direct alternative to prison.
Goodbrand's lates breach involved her visiting Carol Cowie at her home in Ironside Place, Thurso, on April 2, ignoring the court's order not to approach or contact her, Wick Sheriff Court was told.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that Goodbrand, 58, who had been drinking, accused Ms Cowie of having "some sort of relationship" with her husband in a tirade before leaving.
Miss MacDonald said that drink had fuelled Goodbrand's anger but she had not been drinking for some time.
The solicitor conceded that the accused, of St John's House, Thurso, showed a scant disregard for court orders but add that her client had health problems to contend with and did not want to jail.
Sheriff Berry said that such behaviour involved the authorities in a considerable amount of time and trouble over a reliatively minor matter.
Goodbrand was ordered to carry out 45 hours unpaid work, within three months.