Court / Prison sentence for domestic abuse offences

A MAN has been given a lengthy prison sentence and a five-year non-harassment order for a number of domestic offences.

Scott Anderson, whose address was given as Grampian Prison, appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday from custody via video link for sentencing.

The 33-year-old received a total of 25 months in prison for assaulting his then-partner on 15 November last year, before preventing police constables from entering his living room and refusing a breath test, in breach of a bail condition.

However, the jail term was backdated to 15 November 2022 when he first entered custody on the matter.

Anderson also had an existing community payback order – previously given for another domestic offence – revoked and turned into four months in prison, from today’s (Wednesday) date.

For the assault charge, Anderson had admitted seizing hold of the woman by her clothing, forcing her to the floor, seizing hold of her by the throat and punching her on the head, all to her injury.

Whilst not wishing to minimise the incident, Anderson’s defence agent Tommy Allan said there was no serious injury involved.

However, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said the injuries were “certainly not insignificant”.

Allan added that his client was “anxious to make a new start” following the offences.

In addition to the prison sentences, the sheriff imposed a five-year non-harassment order prohibiting Anderson from approaching or contacting the complainer.