Sheriff unimpressed by Hill’s latest antics

Shetland’s self-styled independence campaigner will be at the centre of yet another court hearing after allegedly breaching a community service order.

Stuart Hill, 69, of Cunningsburgh, who believes Scottish and UK courts have no jurisdiction over Shetland, almost ended up being remanded in custody when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday for allegedly failing to carry out unpaid work he was ordered to do in December.

Hill was told to do the work after being convicted of motoring offences. He lost a previous court battle aimed at challenging the UK’s authority over the isles.

On Wednesday Hill provoked an angry reaction from Sheriff Philip Mann after he initially refused to enter the dock and referred to the sheriff as “Mr Mann”.

At one point the sheriff ordered: “Go into the dock or you will go into the cells.”

Eventually Hill was asked if he denied or admitted the court order. He said he was not prepared to make any statement.

Sheriff Mann said he would take that as a denial, and fixed a hearing to be held on 17th May.

Hill said he was prepared to come under “protest and duress”.

“That’s good enough for me,” the sheriff retorted.

Before leaving the dock, Hill told Sheriff Mann: “I believe there has been a miscarriage of justice, Sir. Your refusal to listen to me, in my opinion, constitutes a miscarriage of justice.”