A round-up from sheriff courts across the north of Scotland…
1) Thought it was cocaine… Turned out to be paracetamol
Sentence has again been deferred on a Lerwick man who stabbed a drug dealer after being sold paracetamol instead of cocaine.
Ross MacDougall, who was described as a prisoner in the city, was due to learn his fate yesterday when he appeared from custody before Sheriff David Sutherland who had earlier called for a background report.
MacDougall had admitted striking 26-year-old Garry Macdonald with a steak knife to his injury and danger of life in Inverness on October 18 this year.
But his lawyer Shahid Latif was not available to make his client’s plea of mitigation and it will be re-called on Friday, January 22.
2) Mum finds child porn on son’s computer
A 22-year-old man who was reported to police by his mother after she discovered child porn on his computer will now be sentenced in March.
David Mackenzie, who now lives in Edinburgh, was living at Lonbuie Lodge, in Kiltarlity, near Inverness in 2012 when he downloaded the indecent images.
He was due to be sentenced yesterday after a background report had been prepared.
However his lawyer, Pauline Chapman told Sheriff David Sutherland that the author of the social work report recommended a mental health assessment of her client.
The Sheriff agreed it would be useful and Mackenzie will re-appear on March 7.
At the earlier hearing, the court was told the shocking discovery was made by his parent when she went looking for a film to watch.
3) Got into a tussle with four police officers
A 39-year-old Inverness man who was involved in drunken disturbances in his home despite being banned from there by court orders was jailed for seven months yesterday.
Craig Addley, of 78 MacLennan Crescent appeared from custody at the city’s sheriff court and admitted two breaches of the peace, two breaches of special bail conditions and a charge of resisting police arrest.
The offences all occurred at his home between February, 2014 and November last year.
The court heard that Addley had behaved in an abusive and threatening manner towards his partner Claire Ford on February 15, 2014 after the pair had been drinking.
He was on bail for another alleged offence at the time.
Fiscal depute David Morton added that on November 30, 2015, police were called to the house to attend to another disturbance involving Addley and he resisted arrest by struggling violently with four officers.
“He was on three bail orders by that time.” Mr Morton went on.
Defending, Rory Gowans said: “The relationship is still in place and it has had its ups and downs. Alcohol is a common feature on both sides.
“He binge drinks and then gets into trouble. But he is determined to address this problem.”
4) Travelled three hours to watch Dundee v Ross County and wasn’t allowed in…
A Dundee football supporter pushed a Ross County steward because he was refused entry to the ground as he was drunk, Inverness Sheriff Court heard yesterday.
Michael Seaby, a 35-year-old father-of-two, of 23 Overton Gardens, admitted assaulting the 51-year-old man on February 28 last year before a match between the Dingwall side and the Dens Park club.
Defending, Alison Foggo said: “He is ashamed of his conduct. He had travelled three hours on a bus and had just bought a £22 ticket for the game before he was refused admission.”
The warehouse operator was fined £200 by Sheriff Margaret Neilson.
5) A drunken family feud
A drunken brawl between two brothers landed one of them in court yesterday to be fined £200.
Andrew MacDonald, (29), 92 Windsor Place, Conon Bridge, admitted breaking the peace and engaging in a fight in the Ross-shire village on February 1 last year.
The court heard that Macdonald had fought with his 26-year-old brother Garry after “a family do.”
Defending, John MacColl said: “It was his brother’s house and Garry had a lot to drink. He was going to take his car to go and buy more alcohol and my client grabbed him to stop him. A fight then developed.”
6) Went to see his ex… Smashed in her window
A 49-year-old Inverness man who smashed a window in the home of his former partner after she refused to let him in was ordered to pay her £150 compensation.
Donald Dyker, c/o The Royal Highland Hotel, Inverness admitted wilfully damaging the property at 56 Craigton Avenue on November 29, 2015.
7) Kissed teenage girl at work and she didn’t want him to
A north man who kissed a teenage work colleague found himself facing a criminal charge.
Richard Clarke upset the 17-year-old girl and the incident was reported to the police.
He pleaded guilty at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday and was ordered to carry out 60 hours unpaid work in the community.
8) Cyclist runs into parked car and causes £700 of damage
A Wick cyclist caused £700 of damage when he ran into a parked car in the town one night.
John Alexander, 29, was admonished but was ordered to pay the Audi owner compensation of £150 – the insurance excess the owner is liable for.
9) And finally…
A Thurso man has admitted being concerned in the supply of cannabis resin.
Jamie Lee Lewis, 27, appeared on indictment, from custody at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday and will be sentenced next month.