Self-styled independence campaigner Stuart Hill has been fined after being found guilty of vandalising the disused North Bridge Stores in Cunningsburgh last year.
The pensioner, of Orcaquoy, Cunningsburgh, filmed himself carrying out the offence on 1 March as he undertook what he claimed was the lawful repossession of the property.
However, sheriff Philip Mann ruled after a trial at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday that the 74 year old did not own the building and therefore had committed an act of vandalism.
Hill, who does not believe Shetland falls under UK law, was initially accused of removing a secured plyboard sheeting, cutting a padbolt, removing a padlock and causing damage to the building.
However, procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie later amended the charge to include drilling a hole into an external wall, attempting to set a Yale lock and attaching a flag pole to the outside of the building.
Representing himself, Hill said in evidence that he was “going about the business of repossessing the shop in a careful and reasoned way”.
Sheriff Mann said he was satisfied there was wilful damage caused to the property and fined Hill £125.
He said he had gone into the trial with some trepidation but found it to have been a
“much more pleasant experience” than anticipated.
ENDS.