Friday 29 March 2024
 7.3°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Pensioner fined over ‘vile’ letters to SNP MP

AN “ECCENTRIC” pensioner who sent “vile and gratuitously offensive” letters to MP Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh about her faith has been fined £500.

David Crozier, of 8 Smuggabank, Mossbank, was also ordered not to contact the SNP politician for five years.

The 68 year old previously admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court to sending messages containing offensive and abusive comments aggravated by religious prejudice from his home between 23 May and 26 May last year.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court on Wednesday that the only reason the “eccentric” Crozier corresponded with the Ochil and South Perthshire MP, a practising Muslim, was her faith.

The anonymous letters were passed onto Shetland police, who contacted the office of local MP Alistair Carmichael to see if they had received any correspondence from the man.

The Liberal Democrat’s team recognised the handwriting, which led police to “serial corresponder” Crozier, Mackenzie said.

Crozier initially told police that he was “expressing an opinion and exercising his right to freedom of speech” in the letters.

The fiscal added that Ahmed-Sheikh was left fearful of her safety while attending public events after receiving the letters.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Crozier had no phone or internet and rarely went out and about, meaning that it was “difficult” to see how Crozier could get into trouble and offend people.

The man from Mossbank, who was described as a recluse, took to letter writing to “let off steam” as he couldn’t send emails or speak to friends in the pub, Allan said.

The pensioner had also sent non-threatening letters to the likes of Mastermind presenter John Humphrys and the cast of Doctor Who.

Allan said that his client’s “initial bullishness” over the charges had “evaporated” into an acceptance that his behaviour was out of order.

“He has assured me that it won’t happen again,” the solicitor said.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Sheriff John Rafferty said that while Crozier had a right to express his opinions to politicians, his letters to Ahmed-Sheikh were “vile and gratuitously offensive” and had caused “considerable upset”.

Given that Crozier had no criminal record, Sheriff Rafferty fined the man £500 and placed him under a non-harassment order relating to his victim for five years.

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.