Bailed over allegation of abusive messages

A THIRTY five year old man accused of making “grossly offensive” phone calls and text messages to his former partner has been granted bail after appearing at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Colin Robertson, of Croft Road, Blyth, Northumberland, had his case continued without plea until 17 January when he appeared in court on Monday afternoon.

He is charged with making communications that were grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character by repeatedly phoning her, shouting at her and repeatedly sending abusive text messages on Friday (5 January) at Upper Hillside in Gulberwick.

The offence allegedly took place while Robertson was already on bail, granted on 27 December in relation to another matter, and was said to have been aggravated by involving the abuse of his ex partner.

Honorary sheriff Malcolm Bell said there was a “very strong case” not to grant bail, but on balance agreed to release Robertson from custody with the special conditions that he must not contact the woman by any means and must not enter Upper Hillside.