Warning for man who let himself in house uninvited

A man has been warned to keep out of trouble for the next six months after he admitted entering the home of his former partner uninvited.

James Lister saw the woman at a weekend social function, but failed to take the hint after she “made it clear” she did not want to speak to him.

The 32-year-old inspecting engineer tried to speak to her, despite others making it clear to him on the woman’s behalf that his attempts were not welcome.

Lister, of Chestnut Avenue, Immingham, North East Lincolnshire, appeared from custody at Lerwick Sheriff Court before Honorary Sheriff Malcolm Bell.

He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner, and attending an address in Brae uninvited where he banged on the door and windows, and entered the property uninvited.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said the woman left the party and went home at the end of the evening.

The woman ensured her door and windows were locked. However, she forgot to lock her patio doors.

“She was later awakened by knocking and banging on windows and heard the patio door sliding open,” said the fiscal.

“She got up, turned on the light, and saw him standing in her living area.

“She had to tell him repeatedly that she did not want to speak to him, and had to tell him repeatedly to leave before he eventually did.”

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Lister had been in a relationship with the woman and had been aware of things being said about his conduct during the relationship.

“He wanted to set the record straight,” Mr Allan said.

“He understands by going round her house at the time he did, it would be obvious she would be alarmed by that.”

Mr Allan said Lister had been in custody since 8pm on Sunday, and added Lister expected to lose his job as a result of his court appearance.

Mr Allan said Lister could have paid a fine within three months, but Honorary Sheriff Bell, having taken time off the bench to consider his verdict, deferred sentence until 1st February for Lister to be of good behaviour. He was released on the special condition that he does not approach or contact the woman.

Lister’s attendance will be excused if, at that time, he has stayed out of trouble.

logo

Get Latest News in Your Inbox

Join the The Shetland Times mailing list to get one daily email update at midday on what's happening in Shetland.