Sandwick man ordered to perform unpaid work after assault and harassment

Michael Welsh, a 68-year-old man from Sandwick, has been ordered by Lerwick Sheriff Court to complete 120 hours of unpaid work following a series of abusive actions toward his ex-wife and her partner.

Welsh admitted to repeatedly attending his ex-wife’s home and sending a barrage of messages between May 25 and June 5, despite being told not to contact her. During one incident on May 31, Welsh entered her home and punched her new partner twice in the head. Additionally, Welsh visited Sandwick school on June 5 to inform staff of his intention to remove two of his eldest children to live in Denmark, an action that caused his ex-wife significant distress.

In addition to the unpaid work, Welsh was issued an 18-month non-harassment order and placed under supervision for 12 months. His defense stated that Welsh had been struggling with sleep and strain during the period of the offenses and noted a social work report indicating a low risk of re-offending.