Golf tourist assaulted outside bookmakers on visit to Perthshire town

A tourist was assaulted when he visited Perthshire for a golfing get-away with friends.

William Petrie was punched in the face as he walked in Blairgowrie’s Mill Street on Saturday.

William Bannigan appeared on Monday from custody at Perth Sheriff Court and admitted assaulting Mr Petrie.

The court heard that Bannigan, 41, had approached his victim and two other men when they visited the town’s Scotbet to check results shortly before 7pm.

“Mr Bannigan started making comments about football teams and the recent independence referendum,” said depute fiscal Lisa Marshall.

“It made them all feel uncomfortable.”

The three men went outside and Bannigan followed and punched Mr Petrie once to the head. He then returned to the bookmakers.

Police were called and Bannigan, of Hatton Place, Blairgowrie, was traced.

The court heard that he has a significant criminal record but had been making notable improvements in recent months.

Mr Petrie was not injured in the assault. Sheriff Kenneth McGowan fined Bannigan £200.