A pair of accused of stealing a yacht from a Scottish harbor has appeared in court to refuse the charge. Richard Gould and Vivienne Duke told a court that they were on a spiritual lifestyle experience. Prosecutors claim the couple stole the boat from the Arbroath marina on Saturday and spent more than 40 hours at Osprey – in the North Sea.
They were arrested Monday and earlier appeared at the Forfar Sheriff Court. Defense Attorney Billy Rennie, representing both, said the case had an “unusual” background. He told the court that the couple had traveled the last two years from northern England and followed a shamanic lifestyle experience and that they “live with nature”.
“Something Unusual” He said, “They do not have a permanent address and do not require a home. They have made the lifestyle choice and they are happy in the same.” He told the court: “The position in relation to this case is somewhat unusual. “I have explained to them that their backgrounds do not easily relate to the judicial system. “They have no trouble staying in the area until the matter is completed.”
Procurator tax deputies Stewart Duncan said the crown received a warrant on the basis of the couple had no permanent residence. He added: “They have traveled, and if they do not turn up, it would be very hard to find them.”
Gould, 41, and Duke, 51 whose addresses were registered as c / o Bruce & Co Solicitors, High Street, Arbroath, denied a charge on summary appeal against theft committed on September 22. A trial date was scheduled for November, and the couple was released on bail provided they log on to the Arbroath Police Office three times a week before the trial.