Court / ‘High risk’ missing person caught holidaying in Shetland

23 April 2026 15:13

A MAN from Hartlepool who was sought by police in England travelled to Shetland with his wife so they could “spend some time together” before he returned to prison.

Appearing from custody, Darren Billinghurst admitted attempting to pervert the course of justice, driving without insurance and without a valid licence after being stopped by police on Wednesday.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard that the 41 year old had only been released from prison a week earlier, and decided to travel to Shetland with his wife and three dogs while expecting to be recalled.

Billinghurst was stopped by police on the A970 main road near to Swinister and the Sandwick junction at around 3.30pm.

Police had been tipped off by colleagues in England that Billinghurst had travelled to the isles, and that he was a “key risk missing person” who was set to be called back to prison.

When stopped by officers, Billinghurst gave his brother’s name. When challenged on this, he then gave the correct information.

He was also found not to have a valid driving licence or insurance for the vehicle.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said that Billinghurst and his wife had “wanted to spend some time together” before he returned to prison, where he would likely be serving up to 17 months, he added.

Billinghurst had given his brother’s name to police “in a panic” and then very quickly gave the correct information, Allan said.

Allan said his client had no money and would not be in a position to pay any financial penalty.

Honorary sheriff Willie Shannon admonished Billinghurst on the attempt to pervert the course of justice charge.

He endorsed his driving licence with six penalty points for driving without insurance, and fined him £400 for driving without a licence.

The sheriff gave Billinghurst no time to pay, and told him that the fine could be converted to an alternative sentence of a further 14 days in prison.

If you have been affected by crime, help is available. Whether you are victim, a witness, or the accused, you can find independent, impartial, and confidential support in Shetland.