Here are three stories that you may have missed from Wick Sheriff Court this week.
1) Sheriff raises concern as another speeder caught in far north
A Sheriff highlighted the concern in the far north about the consequences of drivers who speed.
The latest offender, Craig Gilmour, 38, was fined £325 after he pleaded guilty at Wick Sheriff Court yesterday.
The court was told he was clocked driving his van at 74 mph, between Latheronwheel and Dunbeath, on January 5. Gilmour, of Glenluce Drive, Glasgow, was engaged in a Scottish-wide contract, checking smoke detectors and fire alarms, at the time. The speed limit for commercial vehicles on the A9, is 50mph.
He was said to have been about to slow down after overtaking a vehicle.
Sheriff Andrew Berry told him: “There is real concern in this part of the world about motorists who drive too fast and case mayhem.”
In addition to the fine, Gilmour who also admitted a record of road traffic offences, incurred four penalty points.
2) Witnesses to travel thousands of miles to give evidence in Scottish castle fire-raising trial
Witnesses from South East Asia will travel thousands of miles to give evidence in a trial involving alleged fire-raising at a luxury Scots castle hotel.
Travel arrangement are being finalised for the two prosecution witnesses from Cambodia and it is thought the overall cost of bringing them to Wick Sheriff Court is likely to run into thousands of pounds. A video link had been mooted earlier but dismissed.
Fiscal Fraser Matheson said the long-distance journey will involve a speed boat and a number of flights.
Accused is Edinburgh man Brendon MacNamara 36, who has pleaded not guilty.
It is alleged that fire, on January 5, 2014, ignited a carpet, a painting and a quantity of paper causing extensive damage to the contents of a cellar and smoke damage to Ackergill Tower, near Wick.
The trial before a jury, on June 5, is expected to last two weeks. Two scientists and an expert witness are among the witnesses scheduled to give evidence for the defence.
A joint minute, agreeing certain evidence between the prosecution and the defence is being considered, which might shorten the trial.
McNamara, of Baillie Terrace, Edinburgh had his bail continued at the close of proceedings yesterday.
It is hoped that a final update on trial preparations will be given on May 24.
3) Man spotted stuffing clothing, a torch, and superglue into his trousers before trying to leave store
A sheriff spoke yesterday about the potential danger for shop assistants confronting shoplifters.
Sheriff Andrew Berry made the point that staff don’t know what the reaction is going to be. He said that the thieves might be aggressive or violent and added: “The assistants should not have to deal with this.”
The sheriff made his comments at Wick, when shoplifter Steven Bain, 33, appeared in the dock.
He was observed stuffing items including clothing, a torch, and superglue into his jacket and trousers at The Original Factory Shop’s Thurso branch, on December 27.
Bain’s behaviour was captured on the shop’s CCTV system.
He was stopped leaving the shop and the items costing a total of £65 were recovered.
Bain, who owned up, pleaded guilty to the theft and also admitted a record.
Sheriff Berry said it would be tempting to look at the record and conclude that penalties imposed previously on Bain had not had the effect of discouraging him from re-offending.
However, the sheriff added that on the basis that there was some confidence that such an offence would not be repeated, a non-custodial sentence could be imposed.
Bain, of Harbour Road, Lybster, was ordered to carry out 60 hours unpaid work in the community.