Court / Unpaid work for controlling and abusive behaviour

A THIRTY six year old man from the north of England has been put under supervision for two years and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work after he was found guilty of controlling and abusive behaviour towards a former partner.

Mark Gilhespy, of Roseberry Terrace, Boldon, Colliery, Tyne on Wear, was also banned from the road for eight months and fined £400 for driving while disqualified on the A970 near Gulberwick on 3 October.

He was fined an additional £240 for taking and driving away a van from an address in Cunningsburgh without the consent of the owner, also on 3 October last year.

The 37-year-old was not in court today (Wednesday) and efforts to contact him had failed. Personal appearance had been excused but he was due hear the sheriff’s verdict via video link.

Gilhespy had been found guilty of an amended charge of controlling and abusive behaviour during a three hour trial in May.

The offences against a former partner were all committed over a two-month period between 7 August and 3 October at a Lerwick address.

Sentencing him, sheriff Ian Cruickshank said the community payback order which includes supervision and unpaid work was imposed as a direct alternative to a custodial sentence.

The sheriff also issued a non-harassment order for 18 months which means Gilhespy is barred from contacting or attempting to contact the complainer.