Jail could be only way to get Wick man to cooperate

A man who missed three appointments with a social worker has been warned that putting him in jail might be the only way to complete a background report.

Alan Barton (55) appeared at Wick Sheriff Court to answer about the missed appointments. The social worker had wanted to discuss an assessment requirement as part of a background report called for, previously, after the accused admitted threatening or abusive behaviour towards his partner.

The incident occurred during a journey the couple made between Halkirk and Wick, on February 10. During the trip, Barton, said to have been under the influence of alcohol, used “insulting language” towards the woman.

He also twice breached a condition of his bail not to contact her and was warned by a different sheriff that a third time would mean a prison sentence.

Sheriff Gordon Lamont told Barton, of Barrogill Street, Wick: “The flavour I am getting is that you are not cooperating. You are shaking your head, but on three occasions you have not turned up without explanation. The court’s patience is getting worn.

“I will continue the case for two weeks for a new appointment to be made in the hope that you will attend. If you don’t, the matter will come back to this court.

“One option might be to remand you, so that we will be sure of getting the report, but I will give you one more chance.”

Barton, who has an offending record, will return to court for sentence on May 14.