Latvian man repeatedly punched woman at caravan park in Arbroath

A Latvian man has admitted repeatedly punching a woman in the face at an Arbroath caravan site, leaving his victim “petrified”.

Villis Locmelis, 40, of Elliot Caravan Park, appeared from custody at Arbroath Sheriff Court on Monday where he pleaded guilty to the offence, which followed an alcohol-fuelled incident on Saturday.

The court heard the accused and the complainer had been in each other’s company, drinking in one of the caravans on the site.

Depute fiscal Hazel Anderson said: “He approached her and began to pull at her hair then punched her on the face several times. His wife pulled him away from her and police were contacted.

“The complainer had bruising to the face and a bloody mouth. There were no interviews and no reply to caution and charge.”

She added: “It should be noted that the complainer said she is petrified of the accused as the change in him is remarkable when he consumes alcohol.”

Sheriff Gregor Murray deferred sentence on Locmelis, who appeared with an interpreter, for the preparation of reports, and granted him bail with special conditions.

He is next due to appear on December 17 for sentencing.