Metal stolen from recyclers

A MAN who stole scrap metal to help pay for travel to see the birth of his child in Aberdeen has been placed under supervision and given unpaid work.

Ryan Williamson, of 10 Mounthooly Place, Lerwick, previously admitted taking a quantity of metal from at the scrap yard of 60 North Recycling at the town’s Rova Head on 25 July.

The 24 year old also took copper insulation straps and a quantity of metal from the Petrofac Yard in Sellaness on 16 July, as well as an outboard boat motor from Weathersta industrial estate in Brae three days earlier.

Lerwick Sheriff Court previously heard that Williamson was enticed into thieving the goods – which had a total value of around £3,800 – as his funds were low ahead of his partner giving birth in Aberdeen.

At the court on Wednesday, defence agent Tommy Allan said his client was “deeply ashamed” and had fallen in with the “wrong crowd” while his finances were under strain.

Sheriff Philip Mann placed Williamson under supervision for 18 months and imposed 150 hours of unpaid work.

Meanwhile, a pensioner who plagued neighbours with homophobic abuse to the point that they were forced to leave the area has been fined.

Lyn Bannister, of 16 Gibblestone Court, Scalloway, routinely shouted abuse at two men who were partners and a gay woman between 1 and 31 October 2014.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said the 64 year old was involved in an “ongoing neighbourhood dispute” and is hoping to move out of the area herself.

Sheriff Philip Mann previously deferred sentence for good behaviour and said on Wednesday that he was pleased to see Bannister keeping out of trouble.

He fined the woman £180.