MICHAEL NOBLETT FROM LERWICK, SHETLAND, INVOLVED IN VIOLENT OUTBURST AGAINST EX-PARTNERS

In a series of disturbing incidents that spanned over several months, Michael Noblett, aged 25 and residing in King Harald Street, Lerwick, Shetland, was brought before Lerwick Sheriff Court to answer charges of abusive behavior towards two former partners. The court proceedings revealed a pattern of violence and aggression that culminated in multiple assaults, leaving the victims distressed and injured.

Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie detailed the first set of allegations, which involved five separate incidents against a former partner at their shared residence in Lerwick. These events occurred between January 1st and December 23rd of the previous year. The court heard that Noblett’s temper flared following minor disagreements, beginning with him kicking his partner in the stomach after a trivial argument. The violence escalated when he punched her arm after she accidentally dropped his mobile phone. The situation worsened during a dispute over her unplugging the WiFi router in the middle of his gaming session; Noblett responded with shouting, screaming, and physical aggression, grabbing her by the neck and pushing her against a wall.

Despite her efforts to defend herself, she managed to push him away, but he persisted in following her, pushing her from behind and causing her to fall to the floor. Once on the ground, Noblett straddled her and continued shouting, demonstrating a clear pattern of intimidation and violence. She eventually managed to free herself, only for him to force her out of the house, lock the door behind her, and leave her stranded outside without her phone, keys, or shoes. Witnesses noted her distress as she sought help from a neighbor.

The court also heard about an incident on December 21st, when the woman was preparing to go out and requested Noblett not to use all the hot water so she could take a shower. His reaction was aggressive; he trapped her between a door and its frame, further demonstrating his volatile temper. The final assault occurred just two days later, after the woman returned home from work and confronted Noblett about the smell of cannabis. His anger flared again, leading him to push her against a wall and nearly cause her to fall down the stairs. She called a friend to come and collect her, but Noblett blocked her exit, pressing his body against her. During this confrontation, he threw a glass bottle that struck her head near her eye, causing a cut and a bruise. She managed to escape downstairs and sought refuge with a neighbor, who called the police.

At this point, the full extent of Noblett’s violent behavior was revealed. He was arrested, and during questioning, he made a partial admission to the incidents. The victim was taken to hospital for treatment. Further complicating the case, a previous partner came forward, revealing additional episodes of abuse that occurred between March and September 2020 at various addresses in Lerwick. The first incident involved concerns about Noblett’s excessive consumption of pornography, which the victim approached in a non-confrontational manner to support him. However, Noblett responded violently, pushing her away and causing her to fall, then shouting at her to get away. The court heard that he responded with physical violence, kicking her leg and causing bruising when she attempted to intervene during a joke where she pretended to lock him out of their home.

Another incident occurred after the couple had separated but remained in contact. Following a trivial argument, Noblett pushed his former partner, further demonstrating his aggressive tendencies. Both women expressed their support for non-harassment orders to be imposed on Noblett, emphasizing the ongoing threat he posed. Sheriff Ian Cruickshank adjourned the case to allow for the preparation of reports, with sentencing scheduled for December 20th, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations and the need for appropriate judicial response.