Lerwick Sheriff Court, on King Erik Street.
Picture by Kenny Elrick
A man has admitted embarking on an illegal online sexual relationship with an underage girl and acting in a threatening and abusive manner by brandishing a knife at his mother and making threats.
Ellis Birnie, 25, of Sandveien, pleaded guilty to the charges at Lerwick Sheriff Court yesterday.
The court heard that Birnie had a relationship with a 15-year-old last year.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said there was no physical meeting between the pair, though Birnie had offered to travel to meet her and asked for indecent images of her.
There were a “significant number of messages exchanged of a very intimate sexual nature,” according to the fiscal.
Birnie admitted intentionally communicating with the underage girl for purposes of obtaining sexual gratification as well as attempting to meet her.
He also admitted brandishing a multi-tool knife at his mother after a row on January 31 whilst on bail and threatening to knife her partner.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank called for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty assessment before sentencing on March 10.
Birnie will also be subject to notification requirements of the sex offenders legislation.
