Attacker criticised by sheriff for lack of remorse

A Dundee man who carried out a vicious attack on his neighbour has been told his attitude towards his crime was appalling.

Mark David Watson, 53, of Swallowtail Court, was appearing for sentence on Tuesday having previously admitted assaulting Paul Boath, who had been walking his dog on a grass area in the street, on June 21 last year.

He punched his victim on the head and threw him to the ground, then repeatedly punched him on the head and repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head.

Mr Boath suffered cuts and swelling.

The court previously heard that the men had lived in flats on the same landing and the attack was the result of a neighbourhood dispute.

Mr Boath has since died and Watson’s agent told the court the circumstances that had led to the offence would not be repeated and his client was not prone to violence.

“He accepts his behaviour was completely over the score,” the agent said.

Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told Watson that his lack of remorse and his attempt to justify his behaviour had been unacceptable.

She placed him on a restriction of liberty order for six months.