A thug battered an 83-year-old double amputee on the head with a shopping basket in a Dundee supermarket to “give him a fleg”, a court heard.
Murray Dewar was traced after a CCTV image of him taken shortly before he attacked great-grandfather Jack Wemyss in Tesco, Strathmartine Road was issued by police.
The 45-year-old, who did not appear in the dock at Dundee Sheriff Court after suffering a panic attack, admitted assaulting Mr Wemyss to his injury on November 20.
Depute fiscal Muhammad Sadiq told the court: “Mr Wemyss is wheelchair-bound. He asked people in the way if he could move past and said ‘excuse me’.
“The accused made a comment which led to an argument. At this point the complainer said, ’go on, hit us’ to the accused.
“The accused struck him with a shopping basket which resulted in a cut above his left eye.
“A member of staff chased the accused but he was not traced.
“CCTV was reviewed and a press release was issued to trace the accused.
“On December 4 he attended police headquarters and admitted, ‘I swung my basket up to give him a fleg’”
Sentence was deferred for reports until January 28.
Mr Wemyss told the Courier: “I feel a lot better. I want to thank all the people who helped me a great deal.
“They were sending letters and stopping me in the street. I’m still a wee bit shaken.”