Court / Heavy fine and disqualification for man who ‘snapped’

A MOMENT of madness cost a Whalsay man dear when he deliberately drove his van repeatedly into a car belonging to his estranged wife parked outside an island pub.

Appearing at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday morning Peter Kay also pleaded guilty to driving while unfit through drugs or drink.

The court heard how 40-year old Kay, of Brough, Whalsay, felt excluded and subsequently “snapped” after finding his former partner in the company of others in the Oot Ower Lounge at Livister, on the island of Whalsay, on 26 February this year.

He asked to speak to her but was told in no uncertain terms to get lost, defence solicitor Gregor Kelly told the court.

Kelly added that his client was extremely remorseful for his actions and wanted to draw a line under the episode.

Earlier, procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie had described how Kay repeatedly reversed his van into the parked car, pushing it through a fence and causing significant damage to both vehicles.

Following his actions, Kay “effectively went to ground” the fiscal said, as he could only be traced at lunchtime the following day.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank fined Kay a total of £1,600 for both offences and banned him from driving for four years.

Kay can reduce the period of disqualification by a year should he successfully complete a drink drivers rehabilitation course.