A former Angus soldier who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder assaulted a woman during an argument over their dogs.
Siberian husky owner Austin Caithness Keggie, 51, saw red during an argument with springer spaniel walker Janice Duncan at a dog run in Forfar.
At his trial, Forfar Sheriff Court heard both parties accuse each other of letting their dogs attack their own pets, during a confrontation that became physical.
The court was told Keggie threatened witness Andrew Campbell that he could “snap his neck with two fingers” because of military training.
Keggie, of Archies Park, said he had been in the armed forces for 14 years but had been “on the sick” due to combat stress.
Mrs Duncan, 42, owns two springer spaniels, which were off the lead.
She was talking to Mr Campbell, who had four dogs with him, at the path on the south side of Lochside Caravan Park when Keggie approached with his dog.
Mrs Duncan said Keggie’s dog attacked one of Mr Campbell’s, a collie he was looking after, which was also off the lead.
“The collie had gone near it to sniff it and the husky sprang at it, snarling,” she added.
Mrs Duncan said a shoving match began and Keggie walked off.
A short time later, the pair met at nearby Archies Park and reprised their disagreement.
The court heard shoves were exchanged and Keggie shouted and swore.
Mr Campbell, 53, said the husky “set about a collie in my care”.
He said: “He asked what I did for my country. I said nothing.”
Keggie maintained his own dog was the subject of an attack by Mrs Duncan’s dogs.
Defending Keggie, solicitor Bob Bruce produced a doctor’s letter than confirmed a visit for puncture marks on April 11.
After finding Keggie guilty, Sheriff Murray deferred sentence to September 4 for reports, adding: “The obvious thing that strikes me is you’re unable to deal with some situations in some aspects of your life.”