Wick woman who was 'on a boat' during court hearing given further jail warning
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A young Wick woman has been given her second jail warning from a sheriff over her lack of commitment to court orders.
The first was issued last November by Sheriff Lindsay Foulis who told Bridie Nicolson that a stiff custodial sentence was "staring her in the face" if she didn't mend her ways.
Last week, Sheriff David Sutherland told the 22-year-old that remanding her would be the only way to complete reports from social workers and other agencies complete if she didn't co-operate fully.
Nicolson was due to appear at Wick Sheriff Court in June but her solicitor, Ian Breckany, informed Sheriff Sutherland that she was on holiday "on a boat somewhere". The sheriff ordered a personal appearance.
Nicolson was previously made subject to supervision on a charge of reset and was ordered to take part in the Decider Skills Programme and co-operate with drug and alcohol agencies. Sentence on charges of police assault and abuse, and a breach of the order was deferred.
These offences occurred in March, May and June, last year when one officer was bitten and two others were kicked by Nicolson who shouted and swore at them and threatened to "kick their heads in". The incidents, admitted by Nicolson, occurred in Thurso.
Nicolson, whose address was given as c/o Phillip Nicolson, Croft 2, South Erradale, Gairloch, is also facing charges of harbouring a child who had absconded from a care home and has entered a plea of not guilty.
The court was told last week that she had still not complied fully with social workers and essential appointments with drug and alcohol agencies.
Solicitor Mr Breckany, who requested a further review of Nicolson's progress, said: "I have explained to her that she has to engage with her appointments and needs to return to court with an improved report."
Sheriff Sutherland fixed a further review of Nicolson's cases on September 6 and told her that if there was no improvement then, the only way to ensure that the court received the necessary reports on which to base sentences would be to "remove your liberty".
