Accused turns victim – concerns raised over resources for role reversal in Wick court

A sheriff has highlighted a recurring trend whereby an accused person in one criminal case later returns to court as the victim.

He made his comment after Mickella Gray (20) pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of breach of the peace at her home in Huddart Street, Wick, on July 3.

She was said to have engaged in a fight with one of her friends, Priscilla Watt.

Fiscal David Barclay said that the pair argued having come out of the house and the disagreement developed into a struggle in which Gray got the better of her friend.

People passing became aware of the incident, and one of them shouted to the pair to "behave and get back in the house" which they did a short time later.

The fiscal said that by the time the police arrived, Gray and Miss Watt had "made up".

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Gray was arrested but released a few hours later and added that the accused had been out of trouble during the past year.

Referring to the frequent exchanging of roles between accused persons and their victims – both Gray and Miss Watt have records – Sheriff Andrew Berry commented: "It seems to go on and on and the public must wonder at times about the amount of resources it involves."

Gray was ordered to carry out 60 hours of unpaid community work.

Sheriff Berry's concern about the interchanging trend between accused and victim was evident in a later case when Priscilla Watt (20) admitted a charge of assault.

It occurred at The One Stop Shop in Wellington Street, Wick on April 27, when Watt punched Kerry Durrand.

Fiscal Mr Barclay said that the trigger for the assault was the outcome of a matter in the High Court, the day before.

He went on: "There was some ill-feeling between Watt and Miss Durrand, depending on which side of the fence they were on."

Mr Barclay said he was not aware of the incident becoming an ongoing issue but added: "I would hope that cool heads would prevail."

Sheriff Berry deferred sentence for six months to allow Watt, of Kennedy Terrace, Wick, to demonstrate she can behave.