Highland League footballer given one last chance by Sheriff
A Sheriff has given a Highland League footballer another chance to complete unpaid community service - otherwise he will face going to jail.
Last month Gary Kerr, who plays for Nairn County, was told by Sheriff Margaret Neilson to give higher priority to the orders of the court than to playing for his team.
But on Tuesday the Sheriff heard he still had 85 of the 180 hours he was ordered to do outstanding.
Kerr appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court last month for sentence on a charge of assault.
He had admitted assaulting Dayle Rogers in Play nightclub in Inverness’s Castle Street on April 15 last year.
The court previously heard that Mr Rogers was drunk and dancing when he bumped into Kerr in the nightclub.
It led to an argument and some pushing and shoving developed. Mr Rogers went to the toilet, before stewards asked them both to leave, and his next recollection was coming out of the toilet injured.
He was taken to hospital where he was treated for a puncture wound to his left cheek that required eight internal stitches and four external. It would result in a permanent scar, the court was told.
Sheriff Neilson was told last month that Kerr (23), of Cauldeen Road, Inverness, was already on an unpaid work order for a previous offence and had built up a backlog of hours because he preferred to play football.
"He has been prioritising playing football for his team rather than doing the work," the sheriff said.
She deferred sentence on Kerr until Tuesday of this week to give him a chance to catch up with the backlog of hours.
But she heard he had still not completed his unpaid work.
His solicitor Rory Gowans said it was thought initially he had until May to complete his hours but in fact he had until next month.
Mr Gowans said the football season was now over and he would have more time to carry out the work.
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Sheriff Neilson said she expected all the hours to be completed by June 10 when he was next appear in court.
"I think my position is very clear to you Mr Gowans and hopefully at long last to your client to complete his outstanding hours."
She warned Kerr he was facing prison if they hours were not completed.
