Here are three stories from Wick Sheriff Court that you may have missed.
1) Witnesses to come from afar for Ackergill Tower fire trial
Witnesses from Cambodia have been cited to give evidence to a Highland court in a trial involving an alleged fire-raising at a castle.
The unusual issue emerged in a progress report on arrangements for the jury trial at Wick Sheriff Court.
Brendan McNamara, 36, of Baillie Terrace in Edinburgh, has pleaded not guilty to setting fire to a cellar at Ackergill Tower, near Wick.
The indictment alleges that the fire ignited a carpet, a painting and a quantity of paper causing extensive damage to the contents of the cellar and smoke damage throughout the Tower.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that, initially, a video link had been considered for the witnesses who live in Cambodia, but he had subsequently been advised that they intended being in the UK in June, in any case, when the trial is due to take place.
Mr Matheson added that it was possible that some evidence in the trial could be agreed between the prosecution and defence which would reduce the length of the trial.
The court will receive a further update on April 25.
2) Driver caught driving while more than four times alcohol limit near his home
A driver who was caught more than four times the alcohol limit was banned for a year at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday.
Hugh Simpson, 53, was also ordered to carry out 60 hours unpaid work in the community after pleading guilty.
Police acting on a tip-off, on February 4, located Simpson’s van near his home at Macrae St, Wick.
A positive breath test led to a further test at the police station. It revealed a level of 99mgs – the legal limit is 22mgs.
Simpson was advised he could reduce the ban by successfully completing the drinks-driver rehabilitation course.
3) Driver banned after travelling too close to car on A9
A sheriff has banned a driver over his conduct on the notorious Berriedale Braes section of the A9.
Steven Morris, 32, was fined £320 in addition to the two months disqualification.
Morris, was said to have been travelling too close to the car in front of him on July 22 last year.
The police, who were returning to Dingwall, turned their unmarked car to follow the accused.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said that by that time Morris had overtaken the vehicle in front of him and “sped away”.
The pursuing officers estimated his speed of the accused’s Ford Focus ST at 77mph on average.
Mr Matheson said that there were a number of sharp bends on that section of the A9 and added: “It is fair to say that while 60mph is the permitted maximum speed, it is not necessarily an appropriate one.”
Morris, of Mayfield Road, Thurso, was stopped at the village of Dunbeath and given the option of a fixed penalty which was unpaid.
He admitted a charge of careless driving by driving too close to the car in front of him and travelling at an excessive speed.
4) Driver left scene after colliding with car in Highland town
A driver who failed to stop and report an accident was fined £400 at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday.
John Hines, 27, pleaded guilty and incurred five penalty points.
The court was told that Hines, of Upper Dounreay, drove away after colliding with a car in Meadow Lane, Thurso, on December 17.
