A 38-year-old who robbed a man with learning difficulties was placed on a curfew at Dundee Sheriff Court.
Michael Rice, of Brougham Gardens, lead his victim down a lane and punched him on the head four times.
Rice then robbed his vulnerable victim of 5 and a handful of coins.
The court heard that as a result of the attack, the victim who lives in supported accommodation in Dundee is now “too frightened” to leave his home without assistance.
Fiscal depute Nicola Gillespie told the court the complainer was approached by Rice and another male short after 3.15pm on July 19 last year.
She said: “The accused asked the complainer if he wanted to go for a drink. The complainer agreed and all three of them walked to Sugarhouse Wynd.
“The accused then shouted ‘give me your money’ and punched the complainer on the head four times.
“The complainer took 5 out of his pocket and some change and put it on a step.
“As the accused bent down to pick it up the complainer ran home and told someone there about the incident. He was visibly upset and crying.”
Solicitor Paul Parker Smith, defending, said Rice was “not aware” of the vulnerability of the victim at the time of the offence.
He added that Rice had been “off the drink for 12 years”, but a difficult incident in his life resulted in him drinking continually for the four weeks prior to the offence.
Rice admitted assaulting a man by repeatedly punching him on the head, to his injury, and robbing him of a sum of money on July 19 last year at Sugarhouse Wynd.
Sheriff Drummond said: “Your record does include previous convictions for assault, although it is of some age and I recognise that this happened during a difficult time for you.
“I also see you have taken steps to come off alcohol and am therefore satisfied that a community payback order can be imposed.”
Rice was placed under 18 months’ supervision and ordered to complete 230 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to stay within his home between 7pm and 7am daily.
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