Court / Man admits assault in new Lerwick bar

A MAN appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday to admit assaulting another pub-goer in a newly opened bar at the weekend.

Thomas Drever, of Lerwick’s Ladies Drive, admitted seizing hold of a man’s clothing, pulling him and butting him on the head at the Trench Bar on Commercial Road on Saturday (22 October).

The charge stated that the assault caused the man to fall to the floor, to his injury.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the incident – committed whilst the 24-year-old was on bail – happened in the early hours of the morning.

He said people had witnessed Drever being “belligerent and aggressive” during his time in the bar, which opened earlier this month.

The accused and complainer were acquaintances, the court heard, and when they bumped into each other things were friendly.

But Mackenzie said the “situation quickly changed” before the assault took place. He said the victim suffered a “burst nose and a loose tooth”, although he declined medical attention.

Defence agent Gregor Kelly said the court would be likely to ask for social work reports and called for his client to be bailed in the meantime.

Drever had his case adjourned until 23 November, when his defence will give mitigation, for the preparation of a criminal justice social report.

He was bailed with special conditions prohibiting him from entering the Trench Bar and approaching or contacting the complainer.