Postman put on sex offenders’ register for attack on woman

A Bressay postman who made advances to a woman while delivering the mail was placed on the sex offenders’ register when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday.

George Birnie, 56, of Noustigarth, Bressay, pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place last month.

The court heard that on 20th May Birnie had walked into a house in a remote part of the island still holding the mail instead of leaving it on a table as usual. The woman, who lives alone, approached him and as she did so he grabbed her, pulled her towards him and attempted to kiss her on the lips.

She told him in “no uncertain terms” that his advances were unwelcome and told a friend, whose husband advised Birnie the next day his behaviour was unacceptable.

But on 3rd June there was a “re-run” of the incident, although this time Birnie touched the woman’s breast as she moved away. She phoned the police and Royal Mail, and Birnie was suspended from his job.

Defence solicitor Tommy Allan said that Birnie, who has no previous convictions, had an alcohol problem which had only come to light through these offences. He accepted he had caused distress to the woman.

Sheriff Graeme Napier deferred sentence until 29th July and Birnie’s bail was continued.