The latest sitting at Inverness Sheriff Court covered a string of cases that will be of direct interest to residents across the city and surrounding communities, ranging from terrorism-related offending to domestic abuse, public-order offences and a drink-driving matter involving an e-scooter.
Man with terrorism conviction appears at Inverness court
A 27-year-old man, Zak Williamson, admitted an act of terrorism after wearing a T‑shirt displaying a logo associated with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant in Alltan Place, Culloden on 11 November last year. Court reporting described him as “one of the few people in Inverness with a terrorist conviction.”
“One of the few people in Inverness with a terrorist conviction.”
The report of the hearing did not set out full sentencing detail in the material supplied to the gallery, but the conviction was recorded and heard at the Inverness Justice Centre.
Sex offender jailed after breaching release conditions within hours
A sex offender who used a computer within hours of being released from a two-year prison sentence was returned to custody. Scott Murray, aged 41 and identified as a prisoner in Inverness, was sentenced to 18 months after appearing via videolink before the sheriff.
Long-running abuse case ends in conviction
A woman who endured a prolonged campaign of abusive behaviour has been described as “relieved and grateful” after a jury returned a guilty verdict. Trevor Hunter, 67, from Shetland, was convicted at Inverness Sheriff Court of carrying out a course of abusive behaviour against his former partner over the period from 2019 to 2024.
Drink-driving e-scooter trip leads to motoring ban
In a case that underlines the legal risks of riding motorised personal transport while intoxicated, Lisa Shearer, 39, of Kilmuir Road, Inverness, admitted riding an e-scooter on Benula Road on 13 July while over the legal alcohol limit. The sheriff imposed a 12-month motoring disqualification.
Life-threatening attack on police officer prompts major response
A violent incident that left a police officer struggling to breathe and prompted a substantial police response centred on Merkinch. Reece Gordon, 27, said to be a prisoner at HMP Barlinnie, was found passed out on a doorstep in Merkinch when PC Liam Simpson attempted to rouse him amid concerns of an overdose. The situation escalated and a subsequent life-threatening assault on the officer led to charges and a custodial outcome for Gordon, who was described in reporting as a violent drug addict.
- Zak Williamson (27) – pleaded guilty to an act of terrorism for wearing an ISIL symbol in Culloden on 11 November.
- Scott Murray (41) – used a computer within hours of release; jailed for 18 months.
- Trevor Hunter (67) – convicted of a course of abusive behaviour between 2019–2024.
- Lisa Shearer (39) – rode an e-scooter over the alcohol limit; handed a 12‑month driving ban.
- Reece Gordon (27) – charged after a life-threatening attack on a police officer in Merkinch; remanded to custody.
These cases reflect a varied docket in the city’s sheriff court, from offences that raise questions about public safety and extremism to the social harms of domestic abuse and substance-related violence. The presence of offences committed in and around Inverness — Culloden, Merkinch and city streets — means local communities will be directly affected by the outcomes and by the sentences imposed.
| Defendant | Offence | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Zak Williamson (27) | Act of terrorism (wearing ISIL logo) | Guilty plea / sentence recorded |
| Scott Murray (41) | Breach – used computer after release | Imprisoned – 18 months |
| Trevor Hunter (67) | Course of abusive behaviour (2019–2024) | Convicted |
| Lisa Shearer (39) | Riding e-scooter over alcohol limit | 12-month motoring disqualification |
| Reece Gordon (27) | Life-threatening assault on police officer | Remanded / custodial outcome reported |
Readers with concerns about any of these matters or who wish to follow sentencing details can consult formal court records and sentencing remarks issued by the Sheriff Court when full transcripts are published. For victims and witnesses, local support services remain available; the court process continues to be a key avenue for addressing offending and protecting communities across Inverness and the Highlands.
