Here are six stories you may have missed from Inverness Sheriff Court this week.
1) Disqualified driver caught moving car by police
A disqualified driver was caught behind the wheel of a car by police as he maneouvered in a car park.
Alan O’Neill, who had previous convictions for driving without insurance, admitted the offence which occurred in Island Bank Road on January 6.
O’Neill, of Union Street, Inverness also pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.
Sheriff Margaret Neilson deferred sentence until February 23 for a background report.
2) Shoplifter stole goods to feed her children
A shoplifter who stole almost £1,000 worth of goods from Inverness stores explained she did it to feed herself and her children.
Jacqueline Rabbeth, 26, of Juniper Gardens, Inverness appeared at the city’s Sheriff Court yesterday and admitted three charges of theft and one of failing to appear for a hearing.
Her lawyer, Clare Russell told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that her client’s benefits had ceased and she was falling into rent arrears.
“She has had a tenancy for the last seven years and didn’t want to lose it. She also stole some toys for her children, some of which she sold on.
“She has been living on food vouchers from a food bank.”
The court heard Rabbeth stole a £300 hairdryer from Boots on November 6. A month later on December 7, she stole £360 of food, clothes and alcohol from Marks and Spencer and £377.94p worth of toys from Smyths Toy Store.
Rabbeth was remanded in custody for preparation of a background report and will re-appear on February 23.
3) Father-of-two left abusive voice mails for police constable
A 47-year-old father-of-two who left abusive voice mail messages for a police constable was ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid community work.
At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, Leo Terrant, of Corrour Road, Aviemore admitted a breach of the peace which occurred on August 4 and 5 last year.
The court was told he was on a community payback order at the time.
Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said: “He was under supervision for the order and had to get permission from his supervising officer to take up any work placement.
“He required information from the police officer and had left several messages, This was borne out of deep seated frustration and having taken alcohol.
“There has been no further difficulty.”
4) Highland man tried to bite police officer’s hand after friend was assaulted
An Invergordon man who was in Inverness celebrating a friend’s birthday turned on police after his friend was assaulted.
At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, first offender Aaron Widdows of Kilmuir Place, admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner in High Street on February 14 last year.
He also pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer by trying to bite her hand.
Defence lawyer Willie Young said: “He is appalled by his behaviour and wants to apologise to the officers concerned.”
He was fined £600.
5) Homeless man admits possessing heroin and stealing food from M&S
A 25-year-old homeless man had his sentence deferred until March 2 for a drug treatment and testing order assessment at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.
Liam Johnstone, of Fassifern Road, Fort William, admitted illegal possession of heroin at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness on April 7 last year and two shoplifting charges.
Johnstone stole a quantity of food from Marks and Spencers in Inverness on October 6, 2016 and then stole a quantity of cosmetics from Boots on January 20, 2017.
Defence solicitor Clare Russell told Sheriff David Sutherland: “Clearly he has a drugs issue.”
6) Inverness man breached bail conditions because he didn’t want to disturb wife and new born baby
A 24-year-old Inverness man who breached his bail by not returning to his home address after a spell in hospital will be sentenced on February 14.
Michael Bradshaw, of St Francis Gardens, is due to re-appear then on other charges and Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood decided to wait until that date before dealing with him.
Defence lawyer Willie Young explained: “He was discharged from hospital in the early hours on July 2 and went to his mother’s house which was nearer.
“He didn’t want to disturb his wife and new born baby at that hour.”
