Friday 29 March 2024
 6.5°C   NE Fresh Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Hill disputes identity in dock

A WARRANT to ensure self-styled Shetland independence campaigner Stuart Hill appears at Lerwick Sheriff Court was issued on Wednesday – despite the 75 year old standing in the courtroom dock.

Hill, of Orcaquoy, Cunningsburgh, was cited to appear at the court in relation to 30 hours of unpaid work he was given in March after failing to pay a £125 fine.

The fine was given to Hill last year after he was found guilty of vandalising the disused North Bridge Stores in Cunningsburgh on 1 March 2016.

Hill took to the dock but when asked to confirm he was Stuart Hill, he said he was not the person named in the court papers.

“I’m the man commonly known as Stuart,” he said, adding that he was also the man responsible for the actions cited.

“But I’m not the person in the citation,” Hill said.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank questioned why the 75 year old entered the dock when his name was called out.

“If you’re not the person in the citation then please leave the dock,” the sheriff said before issuing a warrant for Hill, who quickly left the courtroom.

Hill returned to the court in handcuffs from custody on Thursday morning and said he would agree that he was the person in question so that he could go on to challenge the jurisdiction of the court.

Sheriff Cruickshank agreed to give him a hearing on the matter of the court’s jurisdiction on 25 May and released Hill on bail.

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.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.