A sheriff launched a stinging attack on NHS Highland yesterday – as he ordered the chief executive to personally explain why a medical report on an urgent case was not available.
Sheriff Richard Davidson hit out after he was forced to defer sentence on twice-convicted fire-raiser Michael Nicholson, 25, whose condition has been blamed on the trauma he suffered in a blaze as a 12-year-old.
The hotel worker was left with serious burns and scarring to his face, followed by six weeks in hospital for skin grafts, after he and some school pals ran into trouble playing with fire on the beach at Portree.
At a previous sitting of the town’s sheriff court a month ago, the sheriff asked for a report from NHS Highland on what psychological treatment was available to Nicholson.
But when the case called yesterday, defence lawyer Roger Webb told the sheriff: “I am afraid we have hit a hiccup.”
When told the problem was the non-appearance of the expected report, Sheriff Davidson demanded answers from the top.
“It is just not satisfactory that there is no letter telling me when this young man can be seen by the appropriate experts,” he said.
“This is an urgent case. I expect the NHS to deal with it promptly, not when they choose to.
“If there is no report then a custodial sentence would appear to be the only viable alternative.”
Nicholson has previously been warned he faces up to three years in jail for the offence.
The sheriff said he now wanted the chief executive of NHS Highland, Elaine Mead, to explain what support was available to help him tackle his issues.
He added: “A lot of work has been done by the social work department but we do not know if there is a facility to deal with Mr Nicholson’s problem.
“It appears to be a very casual attitude by representatives of NHS Highland. I would have hoped to have in front of me a letter giving a programme of psychological intervention in the case.
“I do not know whose responsibility it is, but I want to hear from the chief executive why there is no report.”
The case was continued until March 16 for a response from the health authority.
Nicholson has admitted setting fire to his clothing and furniture on December 21, 2013 at his council house at 21 Matheson Place, Portree.
The incident caused £16,000 of damage to the house and put his neighbour and her young child at risk.
At the last court sitting, Sheriff Richardson told Nicholson he could have killed the pair, adding: “The whole circumstances of this case give me great anxiety.
“The background to it is your own exposure to fire and there is no shame in it.
“You were once the innocent victim of fire yourself and that has been the cause of your problem.
“Under normal circumstances you would go straight to jail but there is an unusual background.
“However, you need to know this offence has the appearance of one which could carry a three-year jail term.”