Student given absolute discharge over Wick assault

A court heard on Tuesday that a teenager studying for a degree in childcare might find it difficult to get employment with a conviction for assault.

Alicia Wright was granted the unusual sentence of an absolute discharge by Sheriff Gerrard Sinclair following an appeal by her solicitor, Josey Donachie, at Wick Sheriff Court.

Wright (18) admitted an amended charge of assault.

The court was told that the accused and her partner of two years, Jake More, had been drinking heavily in the company of others at a house in Ackergill Crescent, Wick, throughout February 8.

Fiscal David Barclay said that Mr More went to his parents' house to "sleep it off" because he was "very much the worse for ware".

The fiscal continued: "Later, Wright tried to persuade Mr More to come back out again but it became apparent that he didn't wish to do so. In any event, there was an exchange of words and the accused lashed out and punched him once on his head. Wright claimed to the police that Mr More had swung at her during the exchange."

Solicitor Josey Donachie said that Wright was currently studying childcare at North Highland College and was concerned that her conviction could have serious repercussions for her future employment.

Miss Donachie appealed to Sheriff Sinclair to consider granting Wright an absolute discharge – it means that there is no record of the offence – and continued: "It would enable her to continue with her studies and her future."

The solicitor added: "Wright realises that her actions were completely inappropriate and is very embarrassed about it. She was under the influence of alcohol at the time and has no memory of the incident but takes full responsibility for it."

Sheriff Sinclair told Wright, now living with her mother in Sir George's Street, Thurso: "I hope this is a salutary lesson for you. Someone studying for a degree in childcare might find it very difficult to get employment with this type of conviction."

The sheriff said that an absolute discharge was only granted under special circumstances but taking everything into account, including the fact that the accused was a first offender who had accepted responsibility, he was prepared to take that course of action.

Sheriff Sinclair warned Wright, however: "Be in no doubt... you don't get two absolute discharges. The court would take a very dim view if there was any further offending."