Prison warning for Wick man who breached work order

A Wick man has been warned that he faces jail if he doesn’t toe the line with his community service.

Michael Harland (29) admitted breaching an unpaid work order imposed previously at Wick Sheriff Court on a charge of threatening or abusive behaviour, to which he also pleaded guilty.

Sheriff Neil Wilson said that such orders were designed to help accused persons as opposed to punishing them.

However, the sheriff told Harland, of Bremner’s Walk, Wick: “Whether you accept the help is up to you.”

Continuing the case for three months, Sheriff Wilson said that social workers would give the accused guidance, particularly with his alcohol problem.

Spelling out Harland’s obligations, the sheriff went on: “If social workers tell you to do something, you do it. If you don’t, you will again be in breach of the order and I can send you to prison. I will expect a report telling me you have fully complied.”

Sheriff Wilson will consider Harland’s response in a further review of his work order on December 23.