Dunbeath man misses boat for Orkney court appearance

A Caithness man was due to face the music at Kirkwall Sheriff Court on Wednesday for a dust-up he caused in St Margaret's Hope in the summer.

But Sheriff Robert McDonald was not able to sentence Michael Cowie – as the latter was still on the mainland after having missed the boat over.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said the 35-year-old had contacted her earlier in the morning to say he had missed the ferry and would not be able to get over in time.

Cowie last month pleaded guilty by letter to threatening or abusive manner at the Hope on June 10.

The charge states that he wanted to harm himself and shouted, grunted and growled at a female, who lived there.

Cowie also admitted threatening or abusive conduct by shouting and swearing at police and resisting arrest by struggling and locking his arms together in a bid to prevent being handcuffed.

His sentence had been deferred until Wednesday for a personal appearance.

Sheriff McDonald said: "In view of the fact that he's been in touch with you, it seems not to be deliberately failing to attend, albeit not very cleverly failing to attend."

Cowie, of Karrian, Clashvalley Road, Dunbeath, had his case further continued for a personal appearance until October 27.