A Glenrothes man struck a suspected would-be thief on the head with a roof tile because he thought he was planning to steal from a neighbour.
Thomas Dale, 46, admitted assaulting Michael Harvie under provocation.
The attack on April 2 last year left Mr Harvie severely injured and scarred for life, Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court heard.
Fiscal depute Ronnie Hay told the court 66-year-old Helen Hastie had become aware Mr Harvie was outside her house in Annandale Gardens shortly after 11pm.
Mr Hay said: “She became aware of noise from the garden.”
Ms Hastie found Mr Harvie outside and he said he was looking for keys.
She suspected he was there with the intention of stealing from her property.
He entered her garden and she became worried, so alerted two neighbours, including Dale.
Both attended and began trying convince Mr Harvie to leave.
Permanent scar
Mr Hay said: “Mr Dale basically told him to f*** off, repeatedly.
“He refused to do that.”
Mr Harvie had a bottle in his possession, which Dale felt he might use.
Ms Hastie looked away and when she turned back, it was “obvious” Mr Harvie had been struck with a roof tile to the head.
He sustained a cut stretching 10cm across his head and had to be taken to hospital to be treated using stitches and staples.
He has left with a scar.
Dale had a plea of not guilty accepted to a further charge which alleged he acted threateningly or abusively towards Mr Harvie by shouting, swearing and making abusive remarks.
Mr Hay said the prosecution accepted Dale acted under provocation.
He explained Mr Harvie has an “extensive record” for dishonesty.
Sheriff James Williamson deferred sentencing and ordered reports.
He said: “Regardless of provocation, it’s a serious injury.”
