News / Remanded over drugs offence and obstructing police
A TWENTY eight year old man who admitted possessing a class C drug and obstructing police officers in their duty has been remanded in custody ahead of sentencing.
Grant Huntington, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to possessing diazepam at Lerwick’s North Road on Sunday (5 February).
At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday, he also admitted intentionally obstructing two constables by concealing a tablet in his hand, struggling with the officers before putting the tablet in his mouth and attempting to swallow it.
Seeking bail for his client, defence agent Tommy Allan said Huntington was dealing with some issues, and if he succeeded in addressing them hoped to be given a new start with a new job at a construction company. Allan also said Huntington had provided an address at Tingwall’s Vallafield, where had had been staying recently.
But procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie went through a catalogue of previous convictions including a host of failures to appear in court and breaches of bail conditions, as well as citing a number of crimes committed whilst on bail and “a wealth of other offences” demonstrating why bail should not be granted.
Honorary sheriff Willie Shannon deferred sentence on the two charges – along with the matter of an outstanding fine – until 15 February and refused to grant bail.
Meanwhile, a 27 year old man made no plea after being charged with obstructing two police officers and attempting to conceal possession of a controlled drug.
Ryan Paterson, also of no fixed abode, is accused of intentionally obstructing two constables at the town’s North Road by refusing to remove his hands from his trouser pockets, attempting to run away from them and repeatedly striking them on the body.
Later at Lerwick Police Station he is alleged to have placed an item suspected to contain a controlled drug in his mouth, refused to remove it and then swallowed it with the intention of perverting the course of justice.
Paterson is also accused of “maliciously” blocking a toilet at the station with papers cups and causing it to flood by repeatedly flushing it.
His case was continued without plea until 1 March and Paterson was released on bail.
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