Thurso fisherman brandished knife at visiting crew

James Forde went looking for the crew of a vessel berthed at Scrabster Harbour, convinced that one of them had taken his wallet.

They had all been drinking in a local pub earlier, Sheriff Neil Wilson was told at Wick, on Tuesday.

Forde (52) was under the influence of alcohol when he climbed on board the boat named Mareixon in the early hours of August 8 and confronted the crew, shouting and swearing and brandishing a knife.

Fiscal David Barclay said that the crew didn't speak English and were unable to enter into "any meaningful dialogue" with Forde as to what he was doing on their boat and were restricted to "very basic communications".

The fiscal continued: "They could not work out what was upsetting Forde. He was unable to get any response from the crew and left the vessel.

"One of the crew reported the incident at the harbour office and the police were contacted."

Mr Barclay said that Forde was traced and found to have two knives in his possession. He is also a fisherman and had gone to the pub after coming ashore.

The fiscal added: "The crew of the Mareixon had nothing to do with the disappearance of the accused's wallet, which was subsequently recovered."

Sheriff Wilson called for a background report on Forde and will hear mitigation before passing sentence on November 29. He continued the question of forfeiture of the knives until then.

Forde, of Naver Court, Pennyland, Thurso, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour and possession of the knives.