Court / Man sentenced for domestic abuse offences

A MAN from Lerwick who admitted engaging in a course of behaviour towards his ex-partner which involved verbal abuse and shouting and swearing has been placed under supervision and given a non-harassment order.

Matthew Keogh, of Water Lane, was also fined £210 when his case was called at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 34-year-old previously admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by engaging in a course of behaviour towards the woman on or between 1 December 2016 and 31 December 2018 at an address in Lerwick and elsewhere.

He also admitted striking her on the head at Mareel in Lerwick on 1 January 2019, and calling her abusive and degrading names – as well as making threats – in text messages sent on 22 April this year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie previously told the court that Keogh’s behaviour had often been “overbearing and intimidating”, with drinking becoming a more common part of his life.

During the incident at Mareel Keogh snatched a bannock out of her hand and struck her in the face, the court heard, something which was “humiliating and distressing” for her.

The fiscal said the police were alerted after the text messages which were sent earlier this year.

Defence agent Tommy Allan previously told court that his client had “guilt and shame” over his behaviour and wanted to apologise.

“This is not the man that he wants to be,” he said, adding that Keogh had not drunk any alcohol since.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday Keogh was placed under supervision for 12 months and was given a year-long non-harassment order.

Meanwhile John Brian Adamson, from Hogalee in East Voe, was fined £320 at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 31-year-old admitted shouting, swearing, behaving aggressively towards his partner and punching an internal door at his home address on 18 July.