A Fife businessman who assaulted a 15-year-old boy has been ordered to pay him compensation.
Ben Hutchison, 25, from Dunfermline, cut the boy to the bone and left him with scarring after being teased about the outcome of an Old Firm derby.
On October 17 last year, the boy and a friend – both Rangers fans – saw Hutchison making his way to Nicky’s Newsagent in Kincardine, wearing a Celtic top.
Just hours before, Rangers had beaten Celtic 2-0.
One of the boys said “2-0” to Hutchison and then called him a “fenian”.
Hutchison punched the left hand side of one of the boys’ faces, knocking him to the ground.
He was ultimately taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital.
The teenager – who cannot be named for legal reasons – required 45 stitches after sustaining a 3.5cm and 2.5cm cuts, described as being “deep to the bone”.
Hutchison told his partner about the attack and in a police interview, confirmed the assault, telling officers he’d drunk “eight cans” that day.
‘Out of character’
He previously pled guilty to assaulting the boy at Elphinstone Street to his severe injury and disfigurement.
Hutchison, of Victoria Street, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court to be sentenced.
His defence solicitor Zander Flett said: “He had gone to the shop perfectly legitimately.
“The exchange took place and Mr Hutchison accepts that he struck the complainer.
“He was angry with himself.
“I think it’s fair to say the incident is out of character.
“It’s clear he didn’t intend the injury that was caused.”
Contrition accepted by sheriff
Sheriff Susan Duff ordered first offender Hutchison to pay £500 compensation.
The sheriff also instructed him to complete 160 hours of unpaid work in the next nine months.
She told him: “I take on board everything Mr Flett had said on your behalf.
“As soon as it happened, you admitted it.
“It’s clear that you have worried about it ever since.
“I note that you would take it back if you could.”
The sheriff added she accepts Hutchison did not know the boy was only 15 but said: “Now he has scarring on his face.
“That affects how he lives his life.”
