News / Kicking the bottle after assault
A SHETLAND woman narrowly escaped jail yesterday morning (Wednesday) after she admitted assaulting another woman by smashing a bottle over her head.
Caroline Tulloch, aged 29, of 40 Norstane, Lerwick, had been drinking with a friend in a flat at Harbour Street when the incident occurred on 28 December last year.
Tulloch was so remorseful that she called the police immediately, and the woman was taken to hospital where she was treated for a one inch graze to the head.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said that Tulloch had a long standing drink problem, but she was now so ill that her body could no longer stand alcohol. However during a spell in Cornton Vale prison she had picked up another addiction to illegal substances, which she was now dealing with, he said.
“If she didn’t drink she wouldn’t get into trouble. If she has genuinely stopped drinking it would not surprise me if she doesn’t appear in this court again,” Mr Allan said.
Sheriff Derek Livingston said that he would not send Tulloch to jail because she appeared to be genuinely remorseful about her actions and she was “at long last” doing something to sort herself out.
Putting her on probation for two years and giving her 180 hours community service, the sheriff said: “It’s fair to point out that you have been extremely close to a custodial sentence and if there is any further offending I don’t see the court has any alternative.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
