Assault man remanded in custody
A man was remanded in custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday after admitting assaulting and harassing his estranged wife.
Richard Kortram, 49, of North Road, Lerwick, was arrested after assaulting his estranged wife when she had gone to visit him after he had made a string of calls to her and her mother on Wednesday.
The same day he had failed to turn up for a court appearance relating to an earlier charge of causing his wife fear and alarm by repeatedly phoning and texting her threatening to kill her and himself if they did not reconcile. Kortram had been bailed on condition that he made kept away from her and made no further contact with her.
Instead, he persuaded her to visit him at North Road to discuss their situation – they have an 18-month-old child. He threw a punch at his wife and straddled her on the couch where he put his hands round her throat choking her. When she tried to leave the house he chased her and grabbed her. After she again struggled free Kortram then pursued her outside and got into her car and sat on her. When police got to the scene he also struggled with and obstructed them.
Sheriff Philip Mann said it was a “disturbing situation” and remanded Kortram in custody to prevent him committing further offences, especially against this estranged wife. The case will continue on 27th May when reports will be prepared.
