Community / Police chief inspector gives reassurances following alleged violent incident within drugs scene
THE CHIEF inspector of the local police force has given reassurances that Shetland continues to be one of the safest places in Scotland after three men appeared in court charged with serious offences over recent days.
Photo: Shetland News
Area commander Stuart Clemenson described the events that led to the arrests and court appearances as an “isolated incident” with no danger to the public.
Kyle Swannie, from Lerwick, was fully committed for trial when he appeared in private at the town’s sheriff court on Tuesday and was remanded in custody.
The 27-year-old made no plea on charges of abduction and assault to severe injury, danger of life and attempted murder.
On Friday, Rhys Chan, 31, from Leicester, appeared at court for the second time on similar charges and was also committed for trial and remanded in custody.
A third man, Tyler Kidd, aged 29, of no fixed abode, had his first court appearance on similar charges last Thursday and is expected to make a second court appearance this week. He also has been remanded in custody.
Clemenson confirmed that the alleged incidents took place within the drugs scene involving three men, including two from outside Shetland, who all knew each other.
“We reacted quickly and were able to secure three strong charges; they were taken to court and then remanded, and are now off the island,” he said.
“Yes, we do have these incidences, but we deal with them as quickly as we possibly can. (…) There is nothing for the public to worry about.”
The chief inspector went on to say that Shetland continued to be one of the safest places in Scotland.
And while local crime levels have risen over the last six months, they are simply back to where they were pre-Covid, Clemenson said.
He will present detailed figures at Monday’s meeting of the community safety and resilience board.
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