Man fined for throwing chair at partner during drunken argument

A man who threw a chair at his partner in a drunken argument after dialling 999 was fined £70 when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court.

Brian Smith, 42, of Gibblestone Court in Scalloway, admitted carrying out the assault yesterday after drinking six pints.

A row developed between the two, which led to Smith dialling 999 and asking for the police. He was challenged by his partner for making the call. He then picked up the chair and threw it at his partner.

The chair missed him, but Smith then hit his partner across the face. However, defence agent Linda Knarston said the charge only related to the throwing of the chair.

When police attended they found plates and ornaments in the house had been smashed, as well as the upturned chair.

Smith appeared from custody before Honorary Sheriff Roger MacDonald today. Miss Knarston said her client had no idea why had had called the police.

“He wants to apologise to the court and, above all, his partner … and make up for his inexcusable drunken behaviour,” she said.

Honorary Sheriff Roger MacDonald said he was sure Smith would have felt “embarrassed” appearing in court. He reduced the fine from £100 because of the early plea.