Six face prosecution in connection with illegal Shetland Catch landings

The boss and former boss of the Shetland Catch pelagic fish factory and four fishing skippers are facing prosecution in connection with illegal landings more than four years after a dramatic police raid in Lerwick.

Managing director Simon Leiper, 40, of South Whiteness, and his predecessor Derek Leask, 44, of Weisdale, appeared in private at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday along with David Hutchison, 64, skipper of the Whalsay boat Charisma, Zephyr skippers John Irvine, 66, and Allister Irvine, 61, and the Lancashire-based skipper of the Fraserburgh-registered Enterprise, Victor Buschini, 49.

Mr Leiper and Mr Leask are charged with fraud and defeating the ends of justice while the fishermen face fraud charges. Mr Buschini is also charged with attempted fraud.

All men made no plea or declaration and were committed for further examination and released on bail.