Drummer with The View, Steven Morrison, has been fined £900 for a “nasty assault” and admitted he had been “very stupid.”
The 24-year-old, known as Mo, had already pled guilty to an assault charge at Dundee Sheriff Court early in February.
He had admitted punching Craig Cairnie repeatedly in Bank Street, Dundee, on October 25, leaving him bleeding from two head wounds.
On Wednesday, Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told the musician that she took a very serious view of the incident and would fine him £900.
“This really was a nasty assault and obviously I was told that there had been drink taken by all who were involved,” she said. “That is no excuse at all.
“This sort of almost casual violence is far too prevalent in this city. It tends to be associated with young men going out and going to clubs and getting into these sort of situations. I take a serious view of it.”
She had earlier questioned defence lawyer Gary McIlravey, saying she found it difficult to believe that Morrison earned only £300 a week.PerplexedShe said, “I’m slightly perplexed at being told that he earns £300 a week. I find that quite difficult to believe.”
However, the sheriff said she did not want to take the case down the route of asking for financial proof and preferred to sentence the drummer to yesterday.
“I’m told that you receive £300 per week net and, generally speaking a month’s income would be the appropriate fine in these circumstances,” she said.
She said the fine would have been £1200 but for the musician’s early plea. Morrison, of Donald Gardens, Dundee, will pay the fine at a rate of £50 a week.
Speaking as he left the court, he said, “I’m in no way happy with what I’ve done — it was very stupid. This is what you get if you misbehave.
“I hope this is not going to reflect in any way on the fans of The View.”
Co-accused Bryan Murphy (26), of Dundonald Street, had sentence for his part in the attack further deferred when the sheriff heard that, despite considerable efforts, he had been unable to resolve what had initially been a temporary suspension from work. His solicitor Jim Laverty said one of his colleagues in employment law was now advising Murphy on his next steps.
Sheriff Munro said she would be unable to impose a fine on him without more clarity on his earnings.