Repeat offender from Thurso avoids jail after moving away from ‘bad influences’
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A troublesome offender has been given a final chance by a sheriff – along with the ultimatum that she will go to jail if she doesn't toe the line.
Bridie Nicolson (22) has appeared regularly in the dock at Wick Sheriff Court since she was sentenced to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work two years ago for a string of offences including assaults of police officers, abusive behaviour and reset.
However, Nicolson carried out only 71 hours, breached the work order and failed to co-operate fully with court agencies and programmes.
Matters came to a head recently when Sheriff Neil Wilson told Nicolson that she had reached "the end of the road" so far as her liberty was concerned. He called for a comprehensive background report which he had before him, last week.
The court heard that Nicolson had since secured employment in Ross-shire, away from "bad influences" in Caithness, was co-operating with drug and alcohol agencies and was getting to grips with her unpaid community work.
She was living in Thurso at the time of the offences but is now staying with her father in Gairloch.
Solicitor Emma Stewart told Sheriff Wilson: "She is attending her appointments and engaging far better than she did before."
The sheriff told Nicolson: "I have been persuaded, only just, not to send you to prison. Now it is very much up to you. Various conditions will be imposed and there will be a review of your progress in two months. If you don't comply, you can expect to be sent to prison on all matters."
Nicolson will wear a 7pm -7am tag for eight months and will be under supervision for two years. Sheriff Wilson revoked the previous order requiring Nicolson to carry out 300 hours of unpaid community work and replaced it with one for 230 hours.
In addition, the accused will have to stay out of trouble and co-operate with the drug and alcohol agencies and the Decider Skills programme.
Sheriff Wilson again underlined the custodial alternative, warning Nicolson: "If you breach any of these orders, you will be back before me and all options will be open."
The sheriff, who will receive a report on Nicolson's progress on January 24, added: "Whether you leave then by the front door of this court or the back door is very much up to you."
Sheriff Wilson deferred sentence on offences still outstanding against Nicolson.
