Attacker left victim with permanent scars after mistakingly blaming him for vandalism

A dog walker attacked a man he mistakenly believed had vandalised his home, Dundee Sheriff Court has heard.

Simon James Nelson (23), of Grampian Gardens, left his victim scarred for life when he caught him with the dog chain he was holding as he rained blows on his head and body.

Nelson appeared on indictment before Sheriff Richard Davidson on Monday and admitted assaulting Michael O’Rourke in Fintry Road on February 15 and repeatedly punching him on the head and body while holding a dog chain, so that the chain struck him, to his injury and permanent disfigurement.

The court was told Nelson suspected Mr O’Rourke was responsible for vandalising his home, although the man had no knowledge of the incident.

Nelson accosted Mr O’Rourke in Fintry Road at about 4pm and punched him repeatedly, the assault ending when Mr O’Rourke managed to restrain him.

He later went to Ninewells Hospital, where he was found to have five lacerations, measuring between two and four centimetres, as well as bruising.

The lacerations have left Mr O’Rourke with permanent scars.

The sheriff deferred sentence to September 26 and ordered the forfeiture of the chain.