Court / Pub altercation results in large fine

A MAN from Lerwick who assault a bar manager after being told to leave the premises has been fined more than £600.

Jason Manson, of Sandveien, carried out the assault at the Thule Bar on 30 April.

He appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to admit repeatedly throwing punches at the man, and repeatedly punching him on the head and body.

The 20-year-old also admitted shouting and swearing at pub staff and police officers.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Manson was “extremely drunk” and had been requested by staff to leave the premises.

He did leave, but later tried to come back, the court heard – leading to the complainer in the assault charge asking him to leave again.

Mackenzie said Manson then shouted and swore at the man, before assaulting him outside.

Police on foot patrol happened to be in the area before Manson shouted and swore at them – leading to the “inevitable consequence” of an arrest.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client, who works as sales person, viewed this as out of character behaviour.

He said it had been “quite a hard lesson for him” and that hopefully it will be his last appearance in court.

Allan said Manson had apologised to the assault victim – and while this was accepted, he has been left with a temporary ban on entering the Thule, which is “probably what he deserves”.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank fined Manson £300 for each of the two charges, and when a £40 victim surcharge was added the total fine came to £640.