Court / Lashing out in bar proves expensive

PUNCHING a man who had previously subjected him to a bizarre “stalking” episode cost a Lerwick man fines and compensation at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Joseph Williamson, 27, of Sandveien, admitted punching the man on the head to his injury in Da Wheel Bar on 9 September.

The complainer was sentenced to 300 hours of unpaid work last year after admitting making a string of abusive calls to Williamson over a six week period, mocking his disability.

Since then, said procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie, Williamson had become “frustrated” at being repeatedly approached by the complainer who sought to apologise for his previous conduct.

On the occasion in question, Williamson had “lashed out” causing the man to require a “significant amount of dental treatment” including a temporary crown.

Williamson’s defence agent Tommy Allan said that Williamson had been banned from Da Wheel for a year and that he had apologised to the complainer “only once” and hoped that would be the end of the matter.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank told Williamson: “I am not particularly impressed with your behaviour” and said that the complainer had already been punished by the law. He fined him £200 and ordered him to pay £200 compensation to the complainer.