Engaged couple fined after fight triggered by argument in pub

Three people who fought with each other after a night in the pub stood side by side in the dock the next day.

Engaged couple Sean Harnett, 40, of Mill Lane in Lerwick, and Pauline Robertson, 41, of Leaside in Mossbank, breached the peace in Harnett’s flat on Thursday.

Robertson’s daughter, Samantha Arthur, 21, of Staney Hill, Lerwick, also admitted being involved in the incident when the trio appeared in court on Friday.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the three had been drinking in the pub when an argument developed between them. The row proved bad enough for Robertson to break off her engagement with Harnett, before all three returned to his address.

Thereafter a “disturbance broke out with all three of them fighting,” said Mr MacKenzie. The police were called but their conduct failed to show any signs of improvement.

Bar worker Robertson was “particularly aggressive” and Harnett, who works as a child care worker for the SIC, “tried to slam a door in the face of police officers”.

Defence agent for all three, Chris Dowle, said they were ashamed of what had happened and accepted responsibility for it. He said he was “not in a position to comment” on whether the two first accused planned to continue their relationship.

Sheriff Graeme Napier fined Harnett and Robertson £200 each. He deferred sentence on unemployed Arthur for six months for good behaviour.

Sentencing, he said: “I take it you all accept this was disgraceful behaviour and I hope you are thoroughly ashamed of yourselves.”