A Montrose man admitted a Boxing Day assault at Arbroath Sheriff Court.
Michael John Cosgrove, 21, of Market Street, admitted that on December 26 at Christies Lane, Montrose, he assaulted Mark Peter Hewson and punched him on the head and knocked him to the ground to his injury.
Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said Cosgrove had responded to being elbowed in the face by Hewson.
She said: “The accused walked behind the complainer, which the complainer took exception to. He elbowed the accused in the face for having invaded his personal space.
“The accused suddenly pushed the complainer on the back of his head and knocked him to the ground. He sustained bruising as a result of being knocked to the ground.”
Defence agent Nick Markowski said his client was having a “carry on” before the assault took place.
“He sneaked up behind the complainer. The complainer elbowed him and the accused then punched him. His last conviction for assault is 2010 and the rate of his offending seems to have slowed down. All the offences are alcohol related.
“He has applied to join the army and has another interview in two weeks’ time. He hopes this matter can be resolved today.”
Sheriff Peter Paterson fined Cosgrove £200.