A teenager admitted attacking his sister’s former partner as he shopped with his grandmother in a busy Angus street, leaving him with a head injury.
Arbroath Sheriff Court heard that a “red mist descended” when Murray Cameron (17), of Newmanswalls Avenue, Montrose, came across student Jordan Bruce (19) in the town’s High Street in October last year.
Fiscal depute Alastair Learmont said Mr Bruce was so badly injured by the assault that he required hospital treatment for a laceration to the back of his head.
Solicitor Nick Markowski said the “history” between the two men had led to his client punching Mr Bruce to the ground in view of several other shoppers before straddling him on the ground and repeatedly punching him again, which caused his head to hit off the ground to his injury.
Cameron was said to have had a brief altercation with his victim when they met on the street minutes before the incident. However, Mr Learmont confirmed that the complainer and his grandmother had then gone into Boot’s.
The attack occurred when the pair re-emerged and Mr Learmont said Mr Bruce sustained his injuries due to the force of his head hitting the ground.
Mr Bruce’s relationship with Cameron’s sister was said by Mr Markowski to have “ended acrimoniously” and led to Mr Bruce “allegedly attacking” the accused’s mother in Montrose some time before the offence in question.Out of character”This offence was out of character for Mr Cameron,” he added. “Relations were extremely strained and it’s just unfortunate that he bumped into Mr Bruce that particular day.
“He knows what he did was wrong, there is no doubt about that, and his mother and father are very concerned about the outcome of this case and the whole situation.
“There have not been any further difficulties between Mr Cameron and Mr Bruce or any other parties involved.”
He told Sheriff Norrie Stein that Cameron, who is unemployed, was considering applying to join the Royal Navy.
Sheriff Stein fined him £80, but said there was “something about the circumstances which suggest compensation (to Mr Bruce) is not appropriate.”
He added, “At least there is an explanation if not an excuse. You have done the right thing by pleading guilty right at the start.
“It sounds as if you will not be going on to commit other offences, but if you are wanting to join the services you wouldn’t be wanting to add to your convictions.”