A Forfar fighter who got out of a car to launch a second attack on a local publican minutes after being thrown out of his pub has been warned by a sheriff the prospect of staying out of jail rests in his own hands.
Lee Hogg had lashed out at Thistle Bar owner Brian Cowie after a bust up with tea-time drinkers in the East High Street hostelry on August 19.
The 27-year-old was dragged away by a friend but just ten minutes later, returned to mount another assault on Mr Cowie.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Forfar Sheriff Court Hogg went into the pub shortly before 5.30pm and began drinking.
“Around 5.40 he began arguing with a couple in the bar. It is not known what the argument was about, but he was asked to leave.
“He refused to leave and continued to shout towards them and the owner of the premises. He then pushed the owner on the body and attempted to punch him, but was stopped by a witness who grabbed his arm.
“The accused was then dragged outside by a friend.”
The fiscal added: “At 5.50 the owner saw the accused in the passenger seat of a passing car. He got out of the vehicle and pushed Mr Cowie to the body, causing him to go through the door of the locus before falling to the ground.
“As the victim got to his feet he was punched to the head before the accused was restrained.”
Police were contacted and found Hogg walking from the bar into nearby North Street, but when they told him to wait where he was he responded: “I’ve done nothing wrong.”
Hogg was arrested but delivered a barrage of abusive comments to police en route to Dundee and at police headquarters.
Hogg, of Muir Street, Forfar admitted charges of assaulting Mr Cowie and behaving in a threatening manner at the Thistle Bar and in Wellbraehead, Forfar on August 19.
Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown said: “The nature of the offence is such that a custodial sentence is an option.
“You are currently on a community payback order. If you engage with that I will have an alternative to custody available, so it is up to you.”
Hogg will return to court for sentencing on December 16.
