Man jailed for 18 months after catalogue of crimes

A Fort William man who appeared at the town’s sheriff court on six separate charges has been jailed for 18 months.

Allan Simpson, 20, faced sentencing on a litany of crimes, namely using a hammer in an attempt to break into a cash dispensing machine in Kinlochleven on July 29 last year, repeatedly dialling 999 on May 22 last year, threatening staff at Belford Hospital on September 14 last year, being in possession of a knife at his home in Kinlochleven in front of police officers on May 21 last year while refusing to put it down, and being threatening and abusive towards his parents on September 5 this year.

Simpson also broke his bail conditions when he did not answer the door to police officers on Friday July 13.

Simpson pleaded guilty to all charges.

Simpson, of Kilmallie Road, Caol, appeared from custody after another two cases against him, heard in Inverness earlier in the week, had sentenced him to 18 months in jail.

Defence agent Hamish Melrose said the hearing yesterday morning brought to a conclusion a large number of cases that he hoped the court could draw a line under.

He highlighted to the court that Simpson now had a medical diagnosis for his behaviour.

Mr Melrose said: “Mr Simpson has been looking for stability. It is sad that the way he has achieved it is through a prison sentence.”

However, after hearing the facts of all the cases, Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald was minded to fine Allan £400, and she also sentenced him to four months in jail for the use of the knife in front of the police officers.

It is understood the sentence will run concurrently with the first jail term.

The court was told the fines would be converted to prison time, as it was unlikely they would be paid when he was in jail.

Simpson was also admonished on the charges of breaking his bail conditions and assaulting his parents.

“It is sad he’s achieved-stability through a prison sentence”