Court / Court round-up 5 October 2023

A MAN from Newcastle who sexually assaulted a woman in the Trench nightclub on 29 July this year will be sentenced at the end of November.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday how Lewis James Allan asked the woman to dance, which she accepted.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that while still holding her hand the 35-year-old then grabbed her genitals through her clothing.

Allan was taken from the premises by security staff and subsequently arrested by police.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank deferred sentencing until 29 November for reports to be prepared. Bail conditions imposed on 6 September are to continue until then.

Allan, of Rosehill Way, was put on the sex offenders’ register.

A MAN from Gott has been put on supervision for one year after pleading guilty to two charges of threatening or abusive behaviour towards family members.

Sentencing Brian Carr on Wednesday, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said he acknowledged that the 50-year-old was going through a separation in difficult circumstances.

Carr previously pleaded guilty to sending abusive and threatening messages on 26 June this year and shouting, throwing household items, smashing crockery and an iPad at an address in the village on 29 June.

Referring to a detailed criminal justice social work report, defence solicitor Tommy Allan acknowledged that through his behaviour Carr had made things worse for him and his family, and added that he is well aware of that.

Asking for leniency for his client, Allan said the strain on Carr had been “considerable”.

Supervision as part of a community payback order was imposed as an alternative to a fine. Sheriff Cruickshank also decided not to impose a non-harassment order.

BEING in possession of 1.6 grams of heroin when disembarking the NorthLink ferry in early June has cost a 55-year-old man from Tingwall £320 in fines.

Shaun Chapman, of Herrisdale Park, pleaded guilty by letter to the charge when his case called at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.