Skerries man who abused teacher told to make personal court appearance

A man went into the school in Skerries and became abusive to the head teacher. William Anderson, 61, from the island’s Harbour View entered the building and shouted threatening abuse.

He left with a “fairly unveiled threat” that he would see her at home – the two lived not far from each other. But the head teacher was so shocked she left with police who attended the scene.

Lessons there have only just resumed after the incident forced the council’s education service to temporarily close the school following the head teacher’s departure.

Temporary arrangements had to be put in place for the six children who regularly attend classes in Skerries, although supply teachers have now been brought in.

Although Anderson could not attend Lerwick Sheriff Court today, he pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner at the school on 4th September, swearing and threatening the head teacher.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said Anderson turned up at the school and demanded to speak to her. Told she was on the phone, his response was to swear and make a threat.

Mr MacKenzie said: “He then spoke with the head teacher and left with a fairly unveiled threat that he would see her at home – they live near to each other.”

Police attended and the head teacher, Becky Gibby, left the island out of fear following the incident.

Sheriff Philip Mann continued the case for Anderson to personally appear.  It will call again on 28th November. “It’s not appropriate for me to deal with it in his absence,” he said.