URGENT UPDATE: Key verdicts from the Inverness Sheriff Court have just been announced, featuring a **driver sentenced for a fatal A9 crash** and a **rapist convicted of abusing children**. These cases underscore serious legal ramifications in the Highlands.
A man, **Fraser Syme (24)**, has been sentenced to complete **unpaid work** after he struck and killed **90-year-old Robert Duncan** on the A9 near Newtonmore on **March 20, 2022**. Court officials revealed that the impact of the collision was nearly instantaneous. Syme’s actions have sparked outrage, highlighting the devastating consequences of reckless driving on this busy trunk road.
In another pivotal case, **Alexander Boyd** was found guilty of sexually assaulting two teenage girls at a children’s home in **Argyll and Bute**. This case has drawn significant attention due to the vulnerability of the victims and the betrayal of trust by someone in a caretaking position. Boyd is now facing a lengthy prison sentence, with sentencing expected soon.
Inverness Sheriff Court also heard about a **31-year-old man**, **Arron Donaghue**, who intervened during a police welfare check in the Old High Church cemetery on **March 17**. While he showed concern for a distressed individual, his disrespectful confrontation with officers raised alarms about public interactions with law enforcement.
In a shocking revelation, **Frederik Dobinson (49)**, an armed forces veteran, was caught driving under the influence of drugs—**nine times the legal limit**—while on the A9 at **Munlochy** on **July 7, 2024**. His case has highlighted ongoing issues with substance abuse among veterans and the urgent need for support services.
As another case unfolds, **Scott Mackay (36)**, previously arrested for shoplifting, has been detained again for police offenses. Mackay’s repeated run-ins with the law have raised questions about the effectiveness of rehabilitation measures for individuals struggling with addiction.
In a disturbing incident at a local business, a peat extraction firm, **Brian MacGregor and Sons Ltd**, faces penalties after a worker suffered a severe injury when trapped in a conveyor belt for **30 minutes** on **January 28, 2020**. This incident emphasizes the critical need for stringent health and safety measures in the workplace.
In other news, **Xoko**, a popular Inverness coffee shop supporting the LGBTQ+ community, experienced a disturbance when an **18-year-old man** was charged for causing a scene outside on a recent evening, showcasing ongoing tensions around social issues in the region.
Furthermore, **William Mackenzie (27)** will be sentenced next month for physically assaulting a **nine-year-old girl** at the city’s Aquadome. This case has prompted outrage among local residents and advocates for child safety.
Lastly, **Derek Pollock (45)** has been sentenced to prison after admitting to being involved in the supply of over **£22,000 worth of cannabis**. Police found significant cash and drugs during a search of his home, marking a serious blow against drug trafficking in the area.
These cases reflect critical legal and social issues in the Highlands, and the Inverness Sheriff Court will continue to address these pressing matters in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more updates as these stories develop further.
