A wheelchair-bound Dundee octogenarian may appeal the sentence handed down to a man who admitted hitting him with a shopping basket in a city supermarket.
Murray Dewar, of the city’s Hepburn Street, struck Jack Wemyss, 83, on the head with a shopping basket at Tesco in Strathmartine Road last year.
The attack left Jack — who has had part of his legs amputated due to suffering from diabetes — with a horrific injury to his eye.
At Dundee Sheriff Court, Dewar pleaded guilty to the incident. But after considering Dewar’s behaviour since the attack, Sheriff Alistair Carmichael admonished the 45-year-old in April.
Over 1,000 people have now signed a petition calling for a review of Dewar’s sentencing.
Jack’s son Peter said: “I spoke to my lawyer about taking on a criminal injury case, aimed at winning damages for my dad’s injuries, and he has agreed to take on the case.
“I also want to take the case to the Court of Appeal in Edinburgh.
“Whether Dewar did what he did with a shopping basket, a hammer or a chisel, he still did it — the weapon shouldn’t matter.
“I don’t think he was charged with the right offence.
“Some of the guys with stalls at the Hilltown Market have read about what happened i and were shocked the guy got off with an admonishment.
“They decided to start the petition, and it’s already received a lot of support.”
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal service, which will handle any appeal made by Peter or Jack, said: “We note the decision of the court.”