News / Town violence getting out of hand
NORTHERN isles sheriff Philip Mann has warned that someone will end up badly hurt if the drunken weekend violence in Lerwick continues.
Speaking after fining a young man £500 for assaulting a man who fell down stone steps in Lerwick’s Quendale Lane on 16 September last year, the sheriff said it was only a matter of time before the town’s “fighting and thuggery” had serious consequences.
On Thursday 19 year old Michael White, of 13 Upper Baila, Lerwick, pled guilty to pushing the man down a flight of stairs, grabbing him by the throat, pushing him against a wall and punching him in the head.
Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said White had been drunk and involved himself in an argument between two other men, even though it had nothing to do with him.
The fiscal accepted White had not meant his victim to fall down the steps, but then took advantage when he was getting up off the ground to grab and punch him.
He said the victim had previously suffered a head injury and warned that such assaults can go “tragically wrong”.
“Fortunately the complainer suffered no significant injury but there was the potential given the medical history,” he said.
Sheriff Mann said the fiscal was right to highlight the dangers of such behaviour.
He told White: “I just wish that you and those like you would stop drinking to the extent where you behave in this manner and assault people and involve yourself in arguments and situations where you have no right to become involved.
“I am surprised, with the kind of fighting and thuggery that goes on here at weekends when people like you take drink, that more serious things have not happened up until now.
“It’s maybe just a question of time. I hope I am wrong in that, but it’s something that’s a cause for concern.”
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Defence agent Tommy Allan said White had cut down his drinking since the incident because he realised it was causing him “quite a bit of trouble”.
The sheriff said that he was not going to tolerate such violence from White, who might end up in jail if he appeared in court for assault again.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.