Court / Bail refused to ensure man appears for trial

A FORTY eight year old man with an address in Lowestoft has been remanded in custody after court expressed concern whether he would turn up for trial.

Matthew James Whiles appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

He was arrested after a warrant had been issued when he failed to appear for a court hearing last month.

Defending himself, Whiles pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to appear on 14 September, and also confirmed his earlier not guilty plea to a charge of forming a fraudulent scheme in Shetland between 1 August 2017 and 6 July 2018.

He is accused of securing employment as a farm manager in Shetland fraudulently, and also obtaining goods and services from a number of local businesses that he was not entitled to.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said he had no confidence that Whiles would adhere to any court order and opposed a request for the accused to be released on bail.

The fiscal said he had doubts over whether any of the addresses Whiles had given the court were genuine, and added that whenever he comes to the attention of the authorities he would simply move on.

Whiles told the court that he had been a guest of the tenant at his current address of 8 Whitehorse Street, Lowestoft, for about a week.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank refused bail and Whiles was taken to the cell to await his trial, which has been set for 16 February 2023.