Topless man remanded after threat charge

A man who appeared in Lerwick Sheriff Court on Monday charged with behaving in a threatening and abusive manner in a police vehicle and at Lerwick Police Station on Sunday had his appeal for bail refused after continually interrupting the sheriff.

John Wood Gibson, 38, of Bruce Crescent, Lerwick, appeared in the dock wearing only shorts and shoes.

When asked by sheriff Phillip Mann why he was wearing no top, a G4S security officer replied that “he did not want it on.”

Gibson was charged with threatening and abusive behaviour in Bruce Crescent and in the police car and at the police station and of shouting, swearing, behaving aggressively and making threats in a manner aggravated by religious prejudice at the station on Sunday.

The case was continued without plea until 5th August. Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie sought an additional bail condition that Gibson had to engage with the social work department and the alcohol and drugs service to address his substance abuse and for a mental health assessment, to which Gibson agreed.

But when Gibson started to interrupt the sheriff as he sought to explain Gibson’s bail conditions, Mr Mann decided to remand him in custody. He was led from court by two prison officers and a policeman while still attempting to question the sheriff.

• More coverage of the sheriff court in Friday’s Shetland Times.