A major mountain rescue was launched to find a Skye man who had walked into the Cuillin mountain range after a drunken row with his wife.
Six police officers, members of Skye Mountain Rescue Team and a helicopter were scrambled on Boxing Day afternoon to find Charles Lea.
When the rescuers finally traced the 61-year-old 2,000 feet up at Coire Lagan in Glen Brittle, he was arrested and spent Thursday night in custody.
Yesterday, he appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards his wife in their home on Glen Brittle Road, Carbost.
Fiscal depute Martina Eastwood told Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald that Mrs Lea was talking to her mother on the phone at about 1.30pm when her husband walked in.
He had been drinking in a shed outside and began shouting and swearing at his spouse, calling her names and saying she was lazy and “useless”.
Mrs Eastwood added: “He then smashed a cup in front of her and backed her into a corner as he continued to shout at her. He then grabbed a bottle of vodka, left the house and walked towards the mountains.
“He was eventually traced at 8.30pm to Coire Lagan, he was still intoxicated. He was arrested and taken to Inverness for his court appearance.”
Defence solicitor Laura-Jane McFarlane told the court: “The relationship has not been good for a while. As far as he is concerned, it is over.”
Fining Lea £300, Sheriff Macdonald refused a request by Mrs Eastwood and Lea’s wife for a non-harassment order.
Mrs McFarlane explained: “He owns the house and he will require access and contact with his wife to sort things out.”
The Sheriff warned Lea that is there was a repeat of his behaviour, he would be re-arrested and could be jailed.
