Man who threatened Skerries headteacher fined

A man who remonstrated with the head teacher at Skerries School was fined £200.William Anderson, 61, of the island’s Harbour View, delivered milk to the building on 4th September.

But while there he complained to Becky Gibby about the treatment a child had received.

Before leaving he said he would speak to her later. The two, who had been on friendly terms, lived next door to each other. However the head teacher was left shocked by the experience and left with police who attended the scene.

Lessons at the school only recently resumed after the incident forced the council’s education service to close the school following her departure.

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

Anderson previously pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

At Lerwick Sheriff Court on Wednesday, defence agent Tommy Allan said Anderson was saddened by the experience. He said Anderson had spoken “in the heat of the moment”.

Anderson was asked to leave and did so immediately.

Mr Allan added Anderson, who was taken off the island to Lerwick Police Station for questioning, had no criminal record.

“The fact it has deteriorated to this point is a matter of great sadness for him. Police came to the island and took him out. None of that has ever happened to him before. He is a 61-year-old grandfather, who did what he did out of concern. He had gone about it the wrong way, and he accepts that.”

Sheriff Philip Mann said he approached the case on the basis that Anderson did not intend to drive the headmistress off the island.