Court / Community payback order for abusive behaviour
A MAN from Lerwick who admitted behaving in an abusive manner towards two former partners has been placed under a community payback order and told to pay £2,000 in compensation.
Michael Noblett, of King Harald Street, was placed under supervision for two years and ordered to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.
The court previously heard how the 25-year-old was abusive and aggressive towards the two women over extended periods.
The first charge covered a period from 1 January to 23 December last year, with the second charge referring to a time from 1 March to 30 September 2020. The offences took place at various addresses in Lerwick.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie previously said a first charge consisted of five separate incidents during a 12-month period.
This involved kicking and punching the victim, pushing her so that she became trapped between a door and a door frame, as well as throwing a bottle which hit her hand she had held up to protect her head.
The behaviour only came to light when police were called on 23 December last year, with Noblett then arrested.
As a consequence, another former girlfriend came forward and reported similar behaviour during their relationship.
At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, defence agent Tommy Allan highlighted how Noblett was a first offender.
He said his client was concerned about his previous behaviour and was willing to work towards preventing any future occurrences.
Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said Noblett’s actions were “wholly unacceptable”.
But given the findings of a criminal justice social work report and the fact that he was a first offender, the Sheriff was satisfied the matter could be dealt with a community payback order.
In addition to the supervision and unpaid work Noblett was ordered to pay £1,000 each in compensation to his two victims.
But Sheriff Cruickshank wanted to make it clear this financial contribution would not fully compensate for the effects of the abuse experienced by the two women.
Non-harassment orders were also imposed for a period of two years.
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