Curfew imposed on bar drinker who assaulted police officer

A young man who threatened to stab and slash staff in a Lerwick bar before assaulting a police officer managed to avoid a prison sentence when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Instead Trevor Couper, 18, of Voe, was ordered to abide by a curfew until background reports are prepared by social workers.

He was also told to stay away from the centre of Lerwick, except to attend appointments with social workers or CADSS.

Couper was celebrating with friends after a friend was allowed his liberty following a court appearance on 12th December.

He drank 20 shots at the Thule Bar and became aggressive when he was refused more alcohol. He shouted at pub workers and threatened police with violence.

Couper initially denied the charges, but was remanded in custody over Christmas until this week.

At an intermediate diet he changed his plea and admitted the offence.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said it was a surprise that someone who wasn’t working was able to spend the whole day in the pub.

He said it was only 6pm when the incident happened, meaning Couper’s behaviour disturbed working people who had gone for a quiet drink.

Sheriff Graeme Napier said it was “disgraceful” he was allowed to get into such a condition, adding he hoped Northern Constabulary would report the matter to the licensing authority.

Releasing him on bail, the sheriff – who is leaving the isles at the end of the month – also told Couper not to be drunk in public and to open the door to police officers as and when required.

“If you breach that while I am here you will be spending a long time in custody, and I don’t suspect my successor will be taking a very different attitude,” he warned him.