Man fined for Thule assault

A visiting gas plant worker has been fined £800 after embarking on an “all too familiar” story of getting drunk and making a fool of himself.

Usually teetotal Caolan McFeely, 30, of Marlborough Road in Londonderry took to the drink to mark his imminent marriage in August.

But he assaulted a member of bar staff while drinking at the Thule early yesterday morning.

He also shouted and swore on the way to – and at – the police station following his arrest.
McFeely admitted two charges when he appeared from custody before honorary sheriff Eric Peterson yesterday.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said McFeely became aggressive when staff at the pub said they wanted him to leave.

He carried out the assault, but ran out of the pub after hearing approaching police sirens. Officers found him nearby, but he launched a tirade of abuse at them.

Mr MacKenzie said McFeely’s “obnoxious” behaviour continued into the early hours after he had sobered up.
He added McFeely had made “frankly disgusting” comments about two female police officers who were dealing with him.

Defence agent Richard Donaldson said McFeeley was apologetic for what he had done.
He said alcohol was “the root” of the problem, and McFeeley had little recollection of the initial assault.

“He had been at a barbecue and had simply too much to drink. He has been in Shetland working at the gas plant since October 2013 and has been more or less teetotal.”

He added the evening had been treated as a “Shetland stag”, as McFeeley plans to marry in August.

Mr Donaldson added McFeeley hoped he could keep his job, and was keen to remain in the isles.

Honorary sheriff Peterson said: “This sort of behaviour is obviously not going to be tolerated in this place, and for someone who is wanting to stay on in Shetland you have to be very careful indeed of how you behave yourself.”