Curfew imposed on addict who pulled woman down stairs

A man who pulled a woman down a flight of stairs by her legs has been placed on a curfew order by Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Matthew Smith, 26, of Grodians in the town, admitted carrying out the assault to injury on Thursday when he appeared from custody before Sheriff Philip Mann today.

He also pleaded guilty to shouting and swearing and banging and kicking against a door, before banging on a window with a length of wood.

Sentence was deferred until 18th April for background reports to be compiled.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie opposed bail.

“No disrespect to Mr Smith, but he is somebody who when at liberty is unable to sort himself out.”

Defence agent Tommy Allan argued Smith was taking steps to tackle his drug addiction, and  hoped to be “fast-tracked” onto a programme which should help him out.

Imposing a curfew, Sheriff Mann insisted Smith remain at a bail address in Leaside, Mossbank, from 7pm to 7am every day of the week.

He also ordered that Smith does not approach or contact his victim. 

However Smith almost talked his way into being remanded after he tried to reason with the sheriff that he needed to pick up his belongings, and that there was no-one available to run the errand for him.

“If you’re prepared to accept these special conditions I will let you out on bail, but if you are not I will just remand you – so what’s your position?” asked the sheriff.

Smith agreed to abide by the conditions. He must also answer his door to police officers.