Naughty man

This was reported from Stornoway today, tut tut.

A 70-year-old thespian who spanked a young female actress has been placed on probation for a year and ordered to pay his victim £500 in compensation.

Frank Harrison, from Stornoway, had earlier admitted assaulting 21-year-old Gemma McGhee in February. The incident took place during extra rehearsals for a play he was directing for Stornoway Thespians. Stornoway Sheriff Court was told that Harrison felt "shame and remorse" for his actions.

Dining chair

The court heard how he hugged and thanked Ms McGhee after the practice at the Thespians' premises in the town. He then produced an old dining chair, sat down and grabbed the 21-year-old. He pulled his victim over his knee, muttered the word "temptation" and smacked her on her bottom about five times. He then told her it was "a light spanking, as all pretty little girls deserve to be spanked once a day".

'Thoroughly ashamed'

The court was told that the "bizarre" incident was a "personal tragedy" for Harrison, who was "haunted" by his actions. His lawyer said that rather than being ostracised, the actor had received the apparent support of many in the community. Sheriff David Sutherland said: "I have no doubt that you are thoroughly ashamed and regret your actions." But he said the "momentarily aberration" had affected a "young lady who did not deserve to be treated in that way".