Ullapool hotel worker who assaulted two sisters told to pay compensation; Denied access to Inverness Sheriff Court building prompts complaint to sheriff from defence agent on behalf of client
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A 23-year-old Ross-shire hotel worker who assaulted two sisters has been told to pay them £100 each in compensation and carry out a work order.
Daniel Stewart of Moss Road, Ullapool, had previously appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court and admitted two charges of assault to injury.
He again appeared at the building last week for sentencing but was not allowed access due to Covid restrictions.
It prompted solicitor John MacColl to complain to Sheriff Robert Frazer that he had to consult with him and another client outside in accordance with Lord Carloway's guidance, but "in the freezing cold and rain".
"I mean no criticism of the door security staff but Mr Stewart was waiting outside for three hours before being sent home after a brief respite inside."
Security staff are provided with a daily list of people they can permit entry but occasionally people who have been ordered to appear personally are not on it.
Sheriff Frazer agreed to deal with the case in Stewart's absence.
Previously, the court was told the attack happened on August 24, 2019 in Argyle Street, Ullapool when Stewart met up with his ex-partner. They had a row, and fell over a wall so the woman's sister intervened, fiscal depute Rowena Carlton said.
The sister was struck on the head, causing bruising and swelling before Stewart took hold of the other by the wrists and then the neck, Miss Carlton added.
Defence solicitor Rory Gowans said: "Words were exchanged and he lost his temper. They were hitting out at him but he should have just walked away."
Sheriff Frazer also ordered Stewart to complete 100 hours of unpaid work, have alcohol treatment as part of a community payback order and to pay the compensation within two months.
