A Dingwall teenager wrote an emotional letter to his mother warning her he would be going to jail after he assaulted and robbed a former schoolmate at knifepoint.
Campbell Brett, of Fingal Road, penned the correspondence after being interviewed by police about his attack on another teenager.
But Brett, 18, will have to wait until a background report has been prepared before Sheriff Eilidh Macdonald sentences him on May 21.
Bail was refused and he was remanded in custody.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Brett had been out drinking in the Mallard pub in Dingwall when he met his victim.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir told the court that they both went to Brett’s home on February 15 where the offence, which Brett admitted yesterday, took place.
Mr Weir said that Brett picked up a knife, waved it around and threatened his former schoolmate, demanding that he empty his pockets.
“He was instructed to get down on to his knees and placed an iPhone, wallet, £30 in cash, bank and cash cards and his North Face Jacket.
“But Brett then dropped the knife due to his level of intoxication and the other teenager grabbed it and his house keys and ran from the house.”
Mr Weir added that Brett was arrested shortly afterwards and everything was recovered.
Mr Weir read out the contents of Brett’s letter to his mother. It read: “I’m sorry you have to find out like this but I’m 100% going to jail this time.
“I’m sorry for all the years of grief. Just know that my love is always with you and my brothers and my sister. Maybe this is what I need. Love you.”
Defence solicitor Graham Mann told the court that Brett was also facing two other assault charges, one at a similar serious level.
He added: “His parents are very concerned and will provide support to him. He was very tearful when I last saw him but a background report may provide an alternative to custody which would be available to the court.”
