Cup of tea costs locked up Wick man £450 – after he threw it at police officer

A Wick man who threw a cup of tea at a police officer and racially abused him was on the receiving end of stiff fines at the town’s sheriff court on Wednesday.

Stewart Walker (33) was in custody at Wick Police Station on September 18, 2022, when the incidents occurred.

He was being checked in his cell every 15 minutes by police officers. Walker was asleep during one of the checks and “wasn’t co-operative” when roused, Sheriff Neil Wilson was told at the Wick court.

Fiscal depute Grant McLennan said that Walker, of Glamis Road, Wick, threw a cup of lukewarm tea at an officer which struck him on a leg. Walker then directed a racial remark at the officer.

Solicitor Kayren Stewart said that Walker had had mental health issues but the situation was now “under control.” His partner was his carer.

Miss Stewart added that Walker had not been “in a right state of mind” when he made the offensive remark to the constable.

Sheriff Wilson described Walker’s conduct as “entirely unacceptable” and noted he had previous convictions for similar offences. However, the sheriff made the point that his most recent conviction was in 2018 and gave him credit for his early plea.

Walker was fined £450 on the tea cup assault and received a further £300 for the racial remark.