Cannabis possession sentence

A MAN from Brae who was found in possession of cannabis worth nearly £1,000 has been placed under supervision for 12 months.

Matthew Maloney, of Housaquoy, previously admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday to possessing the class B drug at an address in Brae on 9 November.

The 22 year old also previously pled guilty to assaulting his brother at his home address on 14 May in an which incident which saw him seize his sibling the body and push him onto a bed.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie previously told the court that police acted on a search warrant and found 57.7 grams of cannabis, which was worth £960.

It was a significant amount because it was at the “highest end” of personal use, he said.

Regarding the assault charge, Maloney returned home drunk and fell out with his brother when he wouldn’t let him play an on X-Box games console.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, the 22 year old appeared from custody because he had failed to pay a previous fine.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said social work reports prepared for the drugs and assault matters suggested supervision could be a suitable punishment.

Sheriff Philip Mann said the assault of Maloney’s brother “can’t be condoned, but it does go on in families between siblings”.

While he suggested the drugs charge was more serious, the sheriff agreed to place him under supervision and ordered a review in eight weeks’ time.