Woman who ‘does not regret’ causing £2k damage warned she faces jail

A WOMAN who said she does not regret causing thousands of pounds of damage to a North Road property has been warned she could be jailed.

Dana Lowe, from Sandwick, also said she would not be co-operating with a social work report – and asked if she had to “wait for my jail sentence”.

The 35-year old admitted wilfully or recklessly causing £2,495 worth of damage to the property on 8 April this year, including smashing or overturning electrical appliances and household items.

Lerwick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday that the homeowner had left for work in a hurry and accidentally left the front door unlocked.

Lowe asked a neighbour which home was his and, after finding it was open, began destroying his belongings.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said Lowe was under the “mistaken belief” that Lowe had harmed someone she knew and had gone in “seeking retribution”.

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Sheriff Philip Mann said he would likely have to seek background reports but Lowe, representing herself, asked instead for the case to be dealt with today.

She said she had admitted the charge and did not understand why reports would be necessary.

Lowe admitted she “shouldn’t have taken the law into my own hands” but added: “I do not regret it”.

Sheriff Mann said that only cemented the view for him that he would need to acquire reports.

As Lowe argued, the sheriff told her: “It’s not really up to you, it’s entirely up to me to decide how to deal with this matter.”

After saying he would be deferring for social work reports, Lowe replied: “I’m just going to tell you now, I won’t do that.”

The sheriff responded that, if she did not co-operate, she would be “in a lot of trouble”.

“I won’t turn up,” Lowe replied.

“If you don’t turn up, a warrant will be issued for your arrest,” Sheriff Mann explained.

“You’re just digging a deeper hole for yourself.”

Lowe said that she would refuse to do community service and would not be paying a fine.

Sheriff Mann explained to her then that he was considering sending her to jail but said he could not do so unless he obtained a criminal justice social work report.

“So I just have to wait for my jail sentence?” Lowe asked.

“Yes, you do,” the sheriff replied.

He deferred sentence until 26 August for the preparation of background reports, and told Lowe to “change your attitude”.