Ross men tried to hit people with car

TWO Easter Ross men who tried to run people down by driving a car at them have been ordered to carry out community service.

Richard Williamson (52) and Donald Williamson (37) had earlier been found guilty on the charges after a trial at Tain Sheriff Court following a rammy in a street in Alness.

They had denied the charges.

Richard Williamson, of Tullich Hill, Delny near Invergordon, was found guilty of assaulting three people by driving a vehicle and attempting to strike them with it.

He was also convicted of possession of an offensive weapon - a metal bar - on July 2 at Kirkside, Alness.

Donald Williamson (37) of Fraser Road, Invergordon, was found guilty of assaulting the same three people by driving a vehicle and attempting to strike them with it.

At the court on Tuesday, Alison Foggo solicitor said Donald Williamson had turned over a new leaf and had not been involved in any offending since 2004.

She said he had been "drawn into something which was not of his making and he found himself frightened and out numbered and in an emergency situation".

She said he suffered from health problems but could do light duties if assigned community service.

"This was isolated behaviour not of his own making," she told Sheriff David Sutherland.

Graham Mann solicitor for Richard Williamson said he recognised it was a serious matter but pointed out that his client was already injured before he got into his car.

Sheriff Sutherland placed both on a one-year supervision order and told them they would carry out 160 hours of unpaid work for the community.