CHARLIE FORSYTH FROM SHETLAND AND SOUTH SHIELDS LOCKED UP AFTER THREATS AND VIOLENCE

On January 22, 2025, Lerwick Sheriff Court heard a disturbing account of the actions of 20-year-old Charlie Forsyth, a rigger with connections to both Lerwick in Shetland and South Shields. Forsyth was brought before the court following a series of violent and threatening behaviors that culminated in a series of alarming incidents involving police officers and hospital staff.

The court was told that Forsyth’s misconduct began on the evening of August 27, 2024, during a disturbance on Lerwick’s Esplanade. Police responded to reports of a heated altercation between two men, and it was during this intervention that Forsyth’s aggressive nature became evident. He reacted with extreme hostility, shouting profanities, refusing to cooperate, and even attempting to headbutt an officer. His violent outburst led to his immediate arrest, and he was handcuffed and placed into a police van.

While in custody, Forsyth pretended to be unwell, claiming he was dizzy and had difficulty breathing. When officers opened the van door to check on him, he seized the opportunity to try to escape. His attempt was quickly thwarted, and he was recaptured. Upon arrival at the police station, Forsyth’s aggression persisted. He continued to threaten police officers and later directed his hostility towards hospital staff, where he was taken for medical assessment.

During his time at the hospital, Forsyth’s behavior remained volatile. He shouted and swore loudly in front of other patients, including young children, and made homophobic remarks to a female police officer. His threats extended to promising violence against others, and he struck an officer during the incident, necessitating physical restraint and the use of pepper spray to subdue him. Despite moments of brief calm, during which he apologized, Forsyth’s conduct was predominantly disruptive and dangerous.

The court heard that Forsyth’s misconduct included attempting to flood his cell and covering inspection equipment with wet toilet paper. His actions caused significant inconvenience and concern for the officers and hospital staff involved. The narration of his behavior was met with apparent amusement by Forsyth himself, which the judge described as “truculent, shameful and shocking.”

Prosecutor Duncan MacKenzie detailed the most serious threats Forsyth made, including threats to stab an officer and to rape the officer’s wife and daughter. These threats added to the chaos and posed serious safety concerns for those tasked with monitoring him.

It was also revealed that Forsyth had previously pleaded guilty in October to threatening or abusive behavior. However, due to subsequent misconduct and failure to appear for a scheduled hearing, he was re-arrested. His defense attorney explained that there had been a “breakdown in communication” regarding court correspondence. Forsyth, who was believed to be working on an oil rig off Senegal, had returned to the UK after learning of the arrest warrant against him.

Following three days in custody, Forsyth appeared via video link for his hearing. Sheriff Ian Cruickshank refused his application for bail, citing concerns about Forsyth’s cooperation and the need for further reports before sentencing. The sheriff emphasized that Forsyth’s behavior was unacceptable and ordered him to remain in custody until his sentencing hearing scheduled for the following month.