News / Man who brandished a hammer avoids jail
A MAN who brandished a hammer at a bus stop in Lerwick has been placed under supervision for two years and given a three-month curfew.
Lerwick Sheriff Court had previously heard that Adam Nelson, of 17 Undirhoul, Scalloway, took the hammer out of his pocket on King Harald Street on 5 February.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said in court on Wednesday that his client was remorseful for his actions and had recently enjoyed a “period of relatively good behaviour”.
He suggested that the 27 year old should be given a “chance” to prove himself under supervision.
Sheriff Philip Mann said the immediate “knee-jerk reaction would be to lock [Nelson] up”.
However, the sheriff suggested that Nelson could benefit from a community-based sentence involving social workers as he has regularly been denied the opportunity in the past.
Passing sentence, Sheriff Mann noted that Nelson had spent five weeks on remand related to the charge.
“The matter is now squarely in your hands,” the sheriff said as he placed him under supervision with a curfew meaning he cannot leave his home between 7pm and 7am, seven days a week.
So that the court can “keep tabs” on Nelson, Sheriff Mann also requested that he face a review of the community payback order on 25 May.
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.