Court / Court round-up 10 July 2024

A KEYBOARD warrior from Shetland’s south end who reacted angrily to accusations of poor parking made on a local Facebook page has been fined £300 for sending threats of violence.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday how Douglas Leslie became agitated at the suggestion and subsequently sent 40 messages as well as two audio calls to two complainers.

The 52-year-old from Virkie pleaded guilty to a charge of sending messages that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character, as well as threatening to set fire to a motor car and harm a pet dog, when his case called at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Defence solicitor Gregor Kelly described his client as a “keyboard warrior” who was suffering from anxiety and should have known better.

Commenting on the “nonsense” that is often posted online, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said: “Sometimes it is better to keep your thoughts private rather than posting them online on social media.”

A BURRA man who crashed his car into a garden wall in the early hours of 30 December has been fined £600 plus £40 in victim surcharge.

James Laurenson, from Hamnavoe, pleaded guilty to a charge of driving without due care and attention at Fullerton Cottage, Meal, when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

Defence solicitor Gregor Kelly said an offer to reinstate the wall was made and is under “active consideration”.

He said his client knows the road well and was perhaps travelling too fast. The car had to be written off.

Kelly also told the court that 32-year-old Laurenson was a valued member of local firm QA Fish where he works as a driver collecting scallops from all corners of Shetland.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank also added four penalty points to Laurenson’s driving licence.