Court / Lerwick man narrowly avoids jail term
A YOUNG Lerwick man avoided jail by the “smallest of margins” when he appeared for sentencing at the town’s sheriff court on Wednesday.
Cory Williamson had previously admitted four charges, including assaulting police officers in two separate incidents and breaching bail conditions on the same day they were imposed.
All offences took place at various locations in Lerwick, including in a police vehicle, on 27 January.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Williamson aimed to kick a female officer and very narrowly missed her head, adding that had he hit her the assault would have resulted in a very significant injury.
On Wednesday, the court heard how the 21-year-old, of Excelsior Place, had “absolutely no recollection” of the incidents taking place, but accepted responsibility.
A “very positive” criminal justice social report which suggested that Williamson would cooperate with a community payback order led his solicitor to ask for leniency to keep him out of prison.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank told Williamson that it is “by the smallest of margins that you avoid jail”, adding that the young man’s behaviour had been “wholly inappropriate”.
Williamson was put under supervision for 18 months, and ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work as part of a community payback order.
Sheriff Cruickshank made it very clear that the order was imposed as an alternative to custody, and also requested a review of the order in three months.
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