News / “Depressing” drunken assaults
TWO Shetland men were fined at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday after they admitted being involved in drunken assaults in the town last summer.
Labourer Paul Grant, aged 25, of 57 Burgh Road, Lerwick, pled guilty to punching a man in the head in Commercial Street on 30 June.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said it was a “drunken square go”, which defence agent Tommy Allan said took place after two sets of people came up against each other.
“Mr Grant was struck by somebody and he lashed out and hit someone,” Allan said.
Fining Grant £150, Sheriff Philip Mann said it was a bit depressing the number of cases that came before him like this on a regular basis.
“I wish people would learn to drink more responsibly and watch their behaviour when they are out,” the sheriff said.
Next up in court was 52 year old Michael Teal, of 51 Goodville Street, Ponterdylous, Glamorgan, who admitted assaulting a bar maid who tried to stop him forcing his way into Da Wheel Bar, on Lerwick’s Commercial Road, on 8 July when he was drunk.
He also admitted casing a breach of the peace by shouting and swearing, refusing to leave the pub and struggling with police officers.
Defending, Allan said his client had not meant to pull the woman to the ground, but had dragged her with him when he fell. He said the father of five was “very remorseful” and had not been in any sort of trouble before.
Sheriff Mann fined him £270 for the two charges, saying he did not need to lecture Teal on his behaviour.
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