Thurso man banned from contact with neighbours after abusing them

A sheriff has banned a Thurso man from speaking to the neighbours he abused.

William McPhee was advised by Sheriff Andrew Berry to "pass them by if you meet them in the street" and imposed a non-harassment order to ensure the accused has no contact whatsoever with his neighbours.

McPhee (59) previously admitted charges of threatening or abusive behaviour and attempting to headbutt a police officer while resisting arrest.

Fiscal David Barclay told Wick Sheriff Court on Wednesday that the accused came out of his house in Henderson Street in Thurso, on July 13, and began shouting and swearing at Audrey Budge and making offensive comments.

There was a repeat of his conduct on July 31 when McPhee ran towards another of his neighbours, John Freeman, and unleashed abuse at him.

Police officers were called and while being arrested, McPhee attempted to headbutt Constable Colin Macrae but "fortunately" it didn't connect.

Mr Barclay said: "The neighbours concerned have invited the court to consider a non-harassment order because they have reservations about McPhee's future conduct."

Solicitor Josey Donachie said that McPhee, who lives alone, had been intoxicated during the offences and she went on: "He does not remember anything about them but accepts responsibility for them."

Sheriff Berry, who saw a background report, said it was "quite clear" that alcohol was to blame for McPhee getting himself into trouble and made the point: "There are people serving very long sentences because they sometimes can't remember what they have done."

The sheriff added: "It is very important that you leave your neighbours alone."

McPhee replied: "Yes, sir."

Sheriff Berry said that in order to give the neighbours "some peace of mind", he would accept their suggestion to impose a non-harassment order. It will run for two years and ban McPhee from having any contact with them.