A teenager has admitted abusing a woman who was looking after his brother on the day the youngster died.
Jamie Bradshaw was in the care of Eliza Brown at her home in Beauly when he wandered off to a nearby caravan park.
The seven-year-old was later found dead after his neck became trapped in a rope swing.
Yesterday his brother Jordan, now 19, appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court, charged with threatening Ms Brown on March 1 last year.
Bradshaw, who was just six at the time of the tragedy, admitted the charge and was ordered to stay out of trouble for six months by Sheriff David Hall.
However, he was warned he would be in “serious trouble” if there was any repetition of the abuse.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that in July 2002, Bradshaw’s seven-year-old brother Jamie wandered off from Ms Brown’s home to the caravan site where the tragedy happened.
The apprentice joiner, of 50 Kilmuir Place, Inverness, lost his 34-year-old father Jonathan two years later – on the day Jamie would have celebrated his 10th birthday.
Bradshaw previously admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner towards Ms Brown on March 1 last year.
Fiscal depute Karen Smith told the court the victim was looking after Jamie Bradshaw on the day he died.
“The 46-year-old householder in Station Road, was putting rubbish out in her wheelie bin when Bradshaw began shouting and swearing at her,” she said.
“There is a tragic background to this case and she felt threatened by his aggressive behaviour. Jordan Bradshaw’s brother was being looked after by this lady when there was an accident and his brother died.
“She went into her home and phoned the police.”
Sentence was deferred on first offender Bradshaw until yesterday for a background report.
Defence lawyer Willie Young said: “It is a very positive report which discloses a sad and tragic background. My client is doing an apprenticeship and is getting on with his life. He has positive plans for the future.”
Sheriff Hall agreed the report was a good one. But he added: “It is an anxious case, but to do what you did full of the drink is not acceptable. However, I will defer sentence for six months until August 27 for good behaviour.
“I am expecting you to stay out of trouble and in particular with your victim or you will be in serious trouble. This is your chance and I strongly suggest you take it.”
Jamie Bradshaw died at the Lovat Bridge caravan site in Beauly.
Paramedics made desperate efforts at the scene to revive the youngster, who was airlifted to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness.
Jamie’s parents rushed to the hospital but doctors had to tell them he could not be saved.
