Unpaid work for assault

A MAN from Scalloway who assaulted another man by punching and kicking him on the head and body before struggling violently with police officers has been given nearly 200 hours of unpaid work to complete.

Ross Sutherland, of Meadowfield Crescent, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to assaulting a man at an address at the town’s St Magnus Street on 1 March before struggling violently with two police officers on the same date at a property on Harbour Street.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 28 year old was in the company of others at a house where a “number of intoxicants” had been consumed. An argument broke out about sourcing drugs and it later turned violent.

The victim was left with bruises on the left side of his head, as well as his forehead.

The police attended the scene but Sutherland tried to escape out of the kitchen window. A “significant struggle” then ensued, with two police officers falling down steps outside while trying to subdue the 28 year old.

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Defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client had struggled with heroin on and off over the past few years and was using the drug at the time.

Sutherland is now clean and is “trying to refrain from keeping company of old”, Kelly added.

Sheriff Philip Mann gave Sutherland 150 hours of unpaid work to complete for the offences.

He also gave the 28 year old another 35 hours after he admitted possessing £80 worth of heroin at Lerwick’s North Road on 3 February.