A Perthshire sportsman described as a top scorer in the world of elephant polo assaulted an old friend at a wedding after learning he had wrongly accused him of rape, Perth Sheriff Court heard.
Businessman and horse trainer Michael Goodwill said he was left “scarred” by a police investigation into serious sex allegations, which turned out to be unfounded.
The force’s inquiry into claims that Goodwill had raped a woman was dropped and no action was taken against the 26-year-old.
Months later, the former Edinburgh University student came face-to-face with former friend Jonathan Tidswell, whom Goodwill claims had lied to police investigating the rape claim.
Goodwill appeared at Perth Sheriff Court on Friday and admitted repeatedly punching Mr Tidswell during a wedding at Perth’s Huntingtower Hotel on May 31 last year.
Depute fiscal Carol White said Goodwill struck his victim on the back of the head and repeatedly punched him in the ribs. He was left bruised with a bump on his head but did not need medical treatment.
Sheriff Simon Collins said that Goodwill had been severely provoked, and fined him £300.
The court heard Goodwill and Mr Tidswell had been friends before allegations emerged in 2013.
Solicitor Emma Fleming said: “Mr Goodwill became aware that Mr Tidswell was assisting police with their inquiries and that he had been fabricating information to incriminate Mr Goodwill.”
Goodwill was surprised to meet Mr Tidswell at a friend’s wedding in Perth, the court was told.
“They went outside to discuss the police matter,” said Ms Fleming. “The conversation became heated and Mr Goodwill attacked Mr Tidswell.
“It was very out of character for him. He simply lost his temper.”
The court heard that Goodwill whose address was listed on court papers as The Paddock, Auchterarder has moved to London and will be setting off soon to train horses in Argentina.
Ms Fleming said her client “felt that he had been scarred” by the police investigation into the false rape allegation.
Sheriff Collins told Goodwill: “On the basis of what I have been told, there seems to be significant provocation here.
“That does not mean you shouldn’t be punished, but it does mean I can be more lenient.”
Goodwill who is listed online as the director of a polo pony equipment supply company had been described as the Pele of elephant polo after a match in Thailand four years ago.