Hill admonished at contempt of court hearing

A SOVEREIGNTY campaigner who continues to question the authority of the legal system was admonished and dismissed when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court this morning (Thursday).

Stuart Hill, of Cunningsburgh, was previously been found to be in contempt of court and was told to be of good behaviour for three months.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie told the court that he was not aware of anything pending against the 80-year-old.

During a very short hearing that lasted less than five minutes, Sheriff Principal Derek Pyle warned Hill – who initially had refused to enter the dock – that should he attempt to record proceedings he would be found to be guilty of contempt of court again.

Hill had previously published what he called a ‘statement of truth’ which contained a verbatim account of a hearing concerning Sandra Irvine, 60, of Boddam.

Irvine was sent to prison for 14 days yesterday after questioning the authority of the court.

Sheriff Pyle told Hill that his involvement with this case had led to Sandra Irvine’s imprisonment.

Hill was then admonished and dismissed and ordered to leave the dock.

When Hill attempted to respond, the sheriff said “I don’t want you to say anything,” to which Hill replied: “You are denying me due process.”