The alcohol did it

A SHETLAND alcoholic has been remanded in custody after getting drunk and breaching an interdict to stay away from his wife.

The court heard that 38 year old Oliver Tait, of West House, East Burrafirth, near Aith, had been dealing with his alcohol problems, but in the past five weeks had relapsed and been “on and off” the drink.

Unable to control his behaviour while drunk, Tait had breached his matrimonial interdict on Thursday, repeatedly refusing to leave his wife’s house.

Yesterday (Friday) Tait appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court to admit causing a breach of the peace.

Defence agent Chris Dowle said his client had no recollection of the incident and had been diagnosed with “amnesiac problems” by a doctor while he was in the cells, but was committed to dealing with his alcohol problems.

Mr Dowle asked for him to be released on bail so that he could continue to help his elderly father with his croft.

Advertisement11 of 11

However procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the best way to help Tait would be to lock him up. “It was the alcohol that was committing these offences, not Mr Tait. I am not being flippant when I suggest the most effective way of getting an immediate detox would be a short period on remand,” he said.

Sheriff Graeme Napier said Tait had been given sufficient chance to sort himself out, refused bail and remanded him in custody until 28 January.