A street fighter who pummelled a rival outside a Perth supermarket was caught when police noticed his blood-soaked sleeves.
Stunned shoppers and staff watched in horror as David Irvine attacked Scott Townsley at Tesco in the city’s South Street.
Mr Townsley was shoved onto his back then beaten and kicked as the lay on the pavement.
Irvine, 37, slunk away as security guards rushed to the aid of his 25-year-old victim.
He was later arrested after police found him nearby covered with blood splatter.
Irvine appeared at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted the assault on May 21 2021.
Caught on camera
Fiscal depute Dev Kapadia told the court: “This incident happened in broad daylight.
“The complainer was spoken to by police but he refused to engage or provide a statement.
“However, the assault was seen by a number of people including shop workers.”
He said: “At about 4.20pm, witnesses within their workplace looked out of the window and saw a fight outside Tesco.
“They saw the accused assaulting Mr Townsley.”
Store security guards were alerted and went outside to see the two men grappling.
“The accused pushed Mr Townsley to the ground and repeatedly punched him on the head and kicked him on the body while he was lying down,” the fiscal depute said.
“Police were contacted and the accused stepped away from the complainer while he was given first aid by security guards.”
Mr Kapadia said that a passer-by took a photo of Irvine, which was later used by police to help identify him.
The court heard officers traced Irvine at the corner of North Methven Street, a short distance away.
“His jacket sleeves were covered in blood,” said Mr Kapaida.
“He was thereafter arrested.”
Out of character
Irvine, of Elcho Court, told police: “He’s robbed my pal twice.”
He admitted: “I punched him. He was in my face.”
Mr Kapadia said: “Officers were unable to determine what injuries the complainer had.
“At Perth Royal Infirmary, he refused to provide a statement.
“Officers saw what appeared to be a number of superficial injuries.”
Solicitor Billy Somerville, defending, said his client has a criminal history but had been out of trouble for a considerable time.
“He very much regrets this has occurred,” he said.
Sheriff Charles Lugton told Irvine: “This does seem to have been a nasty assault.
“It involved you delivering a series of blows to your victim’s head.
“However, this does seem to be out of character.”
He ordered Irvine to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.
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