Too drunk to stand trial

A LERWICK man was taken to the cells on Thursday after drinking a bottle of vodka before appearing in the town’s sheriff court.

Owen Haughian, of Hoofields, had been due to stand trial charged with sexual assault for attempting to kiss a 14 and a 15 year old girl on 1 August last year and 24 January this year, along with a breach of the peace.

However he failed to turn up at 10am, causing his defence agent Tommy Allan – who had only spoken to his client an hour previously – to ask for the case to be recalled.

Haughian finally entered the court building just before noon, but was refused entry because of his state of intoxication.

Police officers were called and after some discussion the 32 year old was arrested.

Allan told the court that Haughian had consumed a bottle of vodka and was in no fit state to be in court.

“He is doing himself no favours as this matter should have been resolved without witnesses giving evidence,” he said.