Drink and drug abuse blamed for offender's behaviour
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Dominic Long was described at Wick Sheriff Court as being "sensible and courteous" at times but with a tendency to go off the rails.
Long's latest appearance in the dock followed an incident at his home in Holborn Avenue, Pennyland, Thurso, on May 18.
The 26-year-old was subject to three court orders when he grabbed his girlfriend's mobile phone and pushed her, causing her to fall against a wall.
Sheriff Ian Miller heard that the couple had been in a relationship for a relatively short time and retained separate homes.
Fiscal David Barclay said Long's partner had been doing her best to keep an eye on him while he was under the influence of drugs.
However he continued: "He seemed to be paranoid and appeared to be fixated on the idea that she was using her mobile to call the police."
She tried to assure him that she had no intention of phoning anyone but she got a fright when he grabbed the phone from her.
Mr Barclay continued: "However, she was more concerned about what Long's behaviour might lead to next and the police were contacted."
Officers located him digging in the garden of his aunt's house next door and he told them he was "trying to find something".
"His general demeanour was that of someone who may have been under the influence of something", said Mr Barclay.
The accused admitted responsibility for his behaviour and when asked about his condition by officers told them that he had been hallucinating after taking three different drugs.
Describing the transformation in Long's personality, Mr Barclay said: "It is rather odd that when we see him in the dock as we have done many times, he is very sensible and well-mannered and seems to know what is what.
"What happens in a different scenario affects his behaviour.
"Having dealt with him on many occasions, there is maybe an underlying issue that affects his lifestyle."
The twin sides of Long's character were echoed by solicitor Fiona MacDonald who said: "He is always polite and courteous and shows the court respect but unfortunately it is a different picture when he is under the influence of something."
Miss MacDonald said that the accused had been struggling with his drink and drug abuse and had had two lapses from being substance-free.
"He is trying to turn his life around but it is taking a bit longer than he would have liked," she said.
"Long usually accepts responsibilities for his offences and rarely goes to trial."
She said, though, he fully appreciated that he could be heading for prison.
Sheriff Miller, who was told that Long was currently subject to supervision and a community payback order and bail, continued the case to allow social workers to consider whether a drug treatment testing order would be an appropriate way to deal with the situation.
Long was again granted bail and will return to court for sentence June 15.
