Groundsman from Brora avoids jail over bail breach
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A Brora man who breached a court order banning him from contacting a woman has avoided a prison sentence because he is in full employment.
Steven Sutherland (27) admitted breaching a bail condition involving Alana MacLeod.
Wick Sheriff Court was told on Monday that police had received information that Sutherland, of Uppat Place, Brora – who was not present in court – had been seen in her company in Thurso on July 24, and subsequent inquiries confirmed this.
The bail condition was imposed previously at Tain Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Andrew Berry, who commented on Sutherland's extensive record including a bail aggravation, said his initial intention had been to defer sentence, order a personal appearance by the accused, and jail him.
However, the sheriff took into account that the accused was in full employment as a groundsman and in a position to pay a fine.
Sutherland was fined £450 which will be payable at £150 per month.
