News / Birthday bus bash leads to fines for Lerwick man
AN APRIL fool’s day altercation has led to a £750 financial penalty for a Lerwick man.
Electrician Lewis Kay admitted assault and threatening behaviour charges when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday.
Kay, 32, of Pegasus Place, and the complainer, had been on separate birthday buses when their parties became entwined at the Pierhead Restaurant and Bar on 1 April.
A tug of war over a boom box between the complainer and Kay’s younger sister had ended up with the complainer yanking the music box out of her hands and pushing her to the ground, according to defence agent Gregor Kelly.
The incident had fizzled out but re-ignited later when Kay bumped into the complainer and two female companions at the town’s Excelsior Place as the partygoers continued their night out.
After a verbal row, Kay punched his victim several times on the head causing minor injuries. The girls tried to protect their friend and also ended up with minor injuries.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said that the women had found themselves in an “unenviable position” and had “no alternative” but to try to stop Kay from his assault.
Kelly said it was clear both parties had been “well intoxicated” after their day on the birthday buses, which were also known as “boogie buses,” he said.
Kay, he added, was a role model for youngsters in his football team and “regretted” the incident.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said that people had to behave responsibly whether in public or private. He fined Kay £480 for assault, £120 for behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and ordered him to pay £75 compensation to each of his female victims.
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.
Already a supporter? Sign in to hide this message.
