A man who shouted homophobic abuse at police after punching his cousin’s husband in the head has been sentenced to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.
Gordon Stewart called officers “homo” and “gayboy” after knocking Peter Hughes to the ground in Dundee on February 14.
Stewart, 37, of Henderson Drive, Westhill, Aberdeen, admitted assaulting Peter Hughes by punching him on the head and knocking him to the ground to his injury at Seagate in Dundee.
He also admitted shouting, swearing and uttering homophobic remarks to two police officers on the same date.
Depute fiscal Muhammad Sadiq told Dundee Sheriff Court: “Police on mobile patrol saw the accused beside a person lying on the ground.
“When they approached the accused he said: ‘I punched him in the p***.’
“The person was bleeding heavily from a head injury. The accused was cautioned, charged and put in handcuffs.
“He shouted at the man: ‘I smashed you and I’ll do it again. If you think that’s an injury, wait till you see what I do next’.”
The court heard that Stewart then shouted the homophobic remarks towards the two officers.
Mr Hughes was treated for his injuries and required two stitches as a result of the assault.
Sheena Mair, defending, said: “He is thoroughly ashamed and embarrassed. He has very little recall of the incident and was heavily under the influence of alcohol.
“The complainer is married to Mr Stewart’s cousin and holds no ill-will towards him.
“There was an altercation in a public house beforehand but he knows that is no excuse.
“Mr Stewart also wishes to apologise to the police officers.
“He doesn’t have the best of records. He has turned a corner, but feels that his alcohol use is slipping out of control.”
Sheriff David Hall told Stewart: “This was a nasty assault on someone who, through marriage, you are related to.
“Your behaviour to the police officers was simply not acceptable.”