An Angus man has been jailed for nine months over hitting a 92-year-old woman when he swung a wooden pole in a “Star Wars light saber movement”.
Stephen Dyer from Brechin appeared from custody at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted two charges on indictment of attacking women to their injury in the town on May 8.
The 38-year-old first attacked Lauren Robertson at and address in Union Street – grabbing her by the neck, repeatedly striking her on the head and body with a piece of wood then repeatedly punching her on the head and body, before she fell to the ground to her injury.
Dyer then went to another garden – where he swung a wooden pole in a “Star Wars light saber movement” to hit another woman – but instead struck 92-year-old Helen Dinnie on the body, again to her injury.
Defence agent Michael Boyd admitted previous convictions.
“On this particular day it appeared Mr Dyer didn’t instigate it, but rather than take steps to avoid the situation, he has allowed his actions to inflame circumstances,” he said.
“He has indicated extreme regret.
“I have a letter in relation to the older complainer … it is a situation that arose as a consequence of transferred intent.
“He is particularly sorry about what happened in relation to the older woman.”
Mr Boyd said his client had been making “positive steps” in rehabilitation before the incident, and was concerned custody would “send him back to square one”.
Sentencing Dyer to nine months’ prison, backdated to the offence, Sheriff Gregor Murray told him: “What you did was commit a sustained assault against one woman and attempt to assault another, and by accident assault someone else.
“I read your letter, which was very eloquent, and accept your remorse.”
The victim said the attack was the first such incident she had experienced in 49 years at the address.
Ms Dinnie said: “This is the first time I’ve had anything like this happen to me in 49 years staying here.
“He just threw the pole and it struck me on the knee.
“I wasn’t badly hurt but it could have been a lot worse – it could have been my face.”
Ms Dinnie was sitting outside enjoying the sun with a neighbour when Dyer appeared in her back garden.
She added: “The police took one look at my knee and told me to go for an X-ray.
“It had swollen up but luckily nothing was broken.
“I’m just glad he pleaded guilty and I didn’t have to go to court.”
