Sheriff fed up with ‘young thugs’ getting drunk and fighting

Sheriff Philip Mann has renewed his attack on violent drunkenness at weekends after two men tried to have a “square go”.

Ross Pearson, 22, of Sletts Road in Lerwick and James Wilkinson, 26, of Virkie’s Sandblister admitted acting aggressively towards one another and attempting to fight each other when they appeared in the dock yesterday.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the incident, which took place at Quendale Lane in the early hours of 24th February, was a “classic case of two drunks trying to have a square go with each other.”

“It seems to be a fairly routine sort of conduct at the weekends in Lerwick,” he told the court.

“It puts people in harm’s way who have to intervene to stop this type of behaviour.”

Pearson landed himself in trouble again the following night after he failed to comply with a curfew order imposed on his release from police custody following the incident.

Officers went to check he was at his home address on the Sunday night and found he was not there.

He had gone to a friend’s house to watch Top Gear. As a result he was taken into custody again.

Defence agent, Tommy Allan, insisted it had not been a wilful breach – Pearson had simply failed to read the conditions of his release.

Wilkinson’s solicitor, Chris Dowle, insisted his client had not gone out seeking a confrontation, and was “very sorry” that one took place.

Sheriff Philip Mann deferred sentence on both of them until next month.

He ordered Pearson not to enter licensed premises at the weekends.

A complication arose when it emerged chef Wilkinson works in licensed premises. He was told not to consume alcohol in places were drink is sold.

Sheriff Mann warned them: “I’ve said before from this bench in court, I’m getting fed up dealing with young thugs who go out and can’t control themselves.

“It’s something I’m going to have to try to stand on for the benefit of the people. That’s part of my duty.”

The pair will appear again on 18th April.