Hotel guest left room in a ‘disgusting’ mess

When Philip John Smith stayed at a Lerwick hotel in April last year, he left without paying.

But when he returned to the Queens Hotel this July he got up to the same antics again.

The 52 year-old, of Gossaford, Brae, also left a “disgusting” mess on his second visit, when he urinated and defecated on a bed – which cost hotel staff £500 to put right.

Sentence was deferred earlier this week at Lerwick Sheriff Court after Smith admitted three charges.

He pleaded guilty to obtaining lodgings worth £62 without paying between 1st April and 30th April last year, and again on 29th July this year.

Smith also admitted damaging property belonging to another at the hotel when he made a mess of the bed.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said Smith was an alcoholic, but insisted that did not excuse or justify his actions.

He said there was a “degree of premeditation” in the first two charges, as Smith had explained to hotel staff he was just going out to the bank to help settle his bill. But he never returned.

The fiscal said the “disgusting mess” left in the room cost the hotel £500. Staff had to deep clean the room as well as replace bedding.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said Smith’s life had been at a “low ebb”. He had missed his bus and thought he would have money in his account to cover the hotel bill, but that did not materialise.

Sheriff Philip Mann called for background reports. Smith was ordained to appear on 5th January.

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