Invergordon dumper driver who put teenage girl in headlock while under the influence is fined

AN Invergordon dumper driver who grabbed a teenager in a headlock at Inverness Bus Station as they were waiting for a bus has been fined £375.

Sheriff Gary Aitken heard father-of two Michael Sutherland (24) was drunk when the incident happened.

Sutherland, of Bermuda Road, Invergordon admitted conducting himself in a disorderly manner and committing a breach of the peace on July 5 last year.

Depute fiscal Niall Macdonald said the incident happened about 7pm on a Friday evening. The girl was waiting for a bus with a friend and Sutherland was nearby with his brother.

"He introduced himself to the female and put his hand out to shake her hand and without warning put her in a headlock. His brother was laughing at the situation."

Marc Dickson, solicitor said Sutherland was under the influence of alcohol and he had been celebrating a birthday.

The ordeal for the young woman was ''not lost on him" he said.

Mr Dickson said Sutherland worked as a dumper driver at Kishorn.

Sheriff Aitken said he could understand that this must have been a frightening experience for the young woman.