Unpaid work for spitting

A MAN from Lerwick who spat in the face of another man who he thought had been spreading rumours about him has been given 50 hours of unpaid work to complete.

Kyle Swannie, of Pitt Lane, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Tuesday to committing the offence at the town’s Ladies Drive on 30 May.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the 20 year old verbally challenged the complainer before spitting at him.

Defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client now accepted the act was “vile”.

He said Swannie saw red mist descend because he thought the complainer had been spreading rumours about him taking drugs.

The solicitor added that his client had not been in trouble with the law since the offence.

Sheriff Philip Mann said that while Swannie should be “ashamed” of himself, he was encouraged by his recent progress.