Man admits harassment

A man has been remanded in custody after breaching a non-harassment order by approaching a woman and shouting at her in Harry’s Department Store on Friday.

Paul Stevens, 45, address given as Harbour Street, Lerwick admitted the offence after appearing from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Tuesday. He will be sentenced on 11th May.

The court heard that Stevens, who had a history of harassing the woman, had previous convictions, and was subject to an unexpired sentence and subject to a recall to prison for having been guilty of the same offence with the same complainer.

Stevens was imprisoned for six months in February for sending text messages to the woman and violently resisting arrest. He had two previous convictions for breaching bail in respect of the same complainer.

Chris Dowle, defending, said that Stevens’ actions were based on frustration at not being able to see his daughter. He had lost everything and wanted to leave the island to make a new start.

Honorary sheriff Sandy Cluness deferred sentence on Stevens until 11th March.