A young man has been given a chance by a sheriff who was impressed by his academic achievements.
John Begg, 24, passed no less than eight standard grades while at school and went on to take his highers in maths and English while in prison, Sheriff Andrew Berry observed.
Begg had denied a charge of assault in 2012 but was found guilty after a trial and was ordered to carry out 150 hours of unpaid community work.
Wick Sheriff Court heard Begg had made little progress with it, partly because of prison sentences imposed as a result of his reoffending and had twice breached the order.
Defence solicitor Neil Wilson urged the sheriff not to jail his client, and said Begg had shown himself to be someone with “exceptional ability” aimed at getting him employment.
Social worker Alan Easton said that his colleague who had prepared the background report, felt that a further opportunity to work with the accused, might help break his cycle of offending.
Sheriff Berry commented that there were not many people around who had achieved the same qualifications, and added: “It is clear that his potential is limitless.”
Sheriff Berry released Begg to resume his community service imposed for headbutting a man in Wick, and urged him to co-operate with those administering the order.
Begg, of 37 Macrae Street, Wick, will return to court in a month for a progress review.