Court / Court round-up

A TWENTY two year old man from Lerwick has been given a community payback order after admitting being concerned in the supply of cannabis.

Connor Preacher, of Stanegarth, also previously admitted possessing diazepam, dihydrocodeine and morphine on 7 February last year.

The offences came to light after a person was found with a small amount of cannabis after leaving Preacher’s house.

Defence agent Gregor Kelly told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that his client had shown “genuine sorrow” for getting involved in drugs.

“He was someone who appeared to lack any sense of perception of the gravity of what he was involved in,” he added.

But Kelly said his lifestyle had undergone a “sea change”, with Preacher getting rid of his associates and receiving support.

“Hopefully this is an end to Mr Preacher’s previous offending behaviour. The penny does seem to have dropped.”

As an alternative to custody Sheriff Ian Cruickshank placed Preacher under supervision for 12 months and have him 80 hours of unpaid work. He took into account that £400 was previously seized by police.

MEANWHILE a man from Sandwick was fined £300 and given four penalty points for driving without due care or attention.

Twenty two year old James Bell, of Sand Lodge, was involved in a collision above on the A970 above Gulberwick on 4 September last year.

The charge involved failing to maintain proper observations.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that Bell’s car struck a vehicle in front which had stopped to turn off. His vehicle was then involved in another collision in the middle of the road.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was “quite badly hurt” and had no recollection of the accident.

A MAN from Shetland appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday accused of assault and attempted abduction.

Neil Adamson, 45, made no plea, was committed for further examination and released on bail.