News / Special brew in the morning
A MAN has been remanded in custody over the Easter weekend after being deemed unfit for an appearance at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Friday.
Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client Craig Nelson, of Lerwick’s Hoofields, was on medication for a stomach condition and mixing it with alcohol may have affected his behaviour.
The 37 year old was due to stand trial on a string of charges which alleged that he acted in a disorderly manner, brandished a knife, threatened to kill others and assaulted three police officers in Lerwick on 9 January.
He told Sheriff Philip Mann, who raised concerns over Nelson’s sobriety, that he only had one can of “special brew” in the morning.
“It must have been pretty strong stuff,” the sheriff said before he questioned whether Nelson was committing contempt of court.
Allan said the majority of pleas had been agreed, but he was not “comfortable” with accepting them due to his client’s condition.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Nelson was in “no fit state” to understand the complexities of a trial.
The matter was briefly adjourned to allow Allan to speak to Nelson, who was taken to the police cells in the meantime.
Sheriff Mann deferred consideration of whether Nelson was in contempt of court until Tuesday and said he would have to take into account that medication being mixed with any amount of alcohol may have caused the behaviour.
The trial matter was also moved to Tuesday and Nelson was remanded in custody until then, partly to ensure he makes his next court appearance.
Another charge alleging he had allowed himself to be carried in a car in Lerwick on 27 October while knowing it had been taken without consent was continued without plea.
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.