Sentence deferred on Sutherland hotelier who admitted assaulting wife.

A Sutherland hotel operator assaulted his wife because he had been drinking and was under financial pressure, a court heard today.

Robert Sherman (53), who runs the remote Altnacealgach Inn at Ledmore Junction on the Lairg to Lochinver road, struck Fiona Sherman on the face in the couple’s bedroom at 3am on 26th July, Dornoch Sheriff Court was told.

Procurator fiscal Fiona Smith said a number of Mrs Sherman’s relatives were staying at the inn at the time.

“Mr Sherman had some concerns about various matters and he had fallen asleep in the living room,” she said.

“On feeling cold, he went through to his bedroom and put on the light to see to get into bed. His wife woke up and an argument started – there had been words earlier in the day.

“Mr Sherman walked round to his wife’s side of the bed. She felt threatened and said to him: ‘Go ahead and hit me if it makes you feel better.’

“Unfortunately Mr Sherman made the decision to do that and struck his wife on the face.”

Police were called and arrived an hour after the incident.

Sherman appeared at Tain Sheriff Court on 29th July to admit the assault. Sentence was deferred until today’s court for Criminal Justice reports.

Defence agent Stephen Lennon said Sherman, a first offender, had been under financial pressure. The hotel was just breaking even and payments were still outstanding to the previous owner.

“It would appear this matter was brought on by a combination of alcohol and financial pressures,” said the lawyer.

Mr Lennon said his client was ashamed of his actions. The couple were now reconciled and continuing to run the business.

Sherman had sought help for his alcohol abuse and his money problems had eased with the sale of a property in England.

“This is a one-off event,” said Mr Lennon.

Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood deferred sentence for six months and ordered Sherman to be of good behaviour.

The sheriff continued bail with two special conditions – that Sherman refrain from drinking alcohol during the six-month deferral period and submit to breath testing if so required.

The case calls again at Tain Sheriff Court on 11th March.