Brother and sister admit distressing assault on his girlfriend

A brother and sister who assaulted a woman, leaving her in an “extremely distressed state”, appeared together at Lerwick Sheriff Court today.

Colin Woodworth, 31, of Park Wynd, Sandwick, and Julie Walterson, 38, of Goodlad Crescent, Lerwick, both pleaded guilty to the assault, which took place at Hayfield House, Lerwick on 21st June.

The court heard that the woman had been in a relationship with Woodworth, and they had been drinking in a house with Walterson and “another person well-known to the court for abuse of alcohol” on the date in question.

Woodworth said he wanted to go outside to speak to the woman. An argument ensued and the woman said the relationship was over. He pushed her against a wall, struck her on the body and caused her to fall to the ground. He then summoned his sister to “carry on where he left off”.

Walterson admitted continuing the assault by repeatedly punching the woman on her head to her injury.

The woman, described as being of “diminutive stature”, was left with numerous cuts and bruises to her face and upper body but managed to call her mother who called the police.
Neighbours who heard the disturbance also reported the incident.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Woodworth, who previously worked at the same place as the victim, had now started a new job.

Defence solicitor Neil McRobert said that Walterson, who has alcohol problems, is now on the correct medication for depression and panic attacks and has been assigned a CPN (community psychiatric nurse).

Sheriff Graeme Napier called for reports on both Woodworth and Walterson. They will re-appear at court on 17th November.