Firework stupidity proves costly

SETTING OFF a firework in a packed shop at Lerwick’s Market Cross has cost a man from Burra more than £300 in fines.

Described as “an act of breathtaking stupidity”, Shane Groat, of Glen, Hamnavoe, pled guilty to the offence when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

The 28 year old salmon worker admitted walking into the convenience store on the evening on 3 March and causing damage to a shelf by setting off a firework.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said there had been a real risk that someone could be injured, as there were customers and staff in the small shop when the firework exploded.

But he conceded that Groat didn’t intend to cause harm, before describing his actions as an act of breathtaking stupidity.

When interviewed later, Groat said he was disappointed in himself and thanked police for arresting him.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said it remained a mystery to him what had possessed Groat to set off fireworks in a convenience store.

Given Groat’s early guilty plea the sheriff reduced the fine from initially £500 to £335.