A former restaurant boss has been ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation to a female employee who he brutally assaulted after being challenged for smoking indoors.
Christopher Murray was the manager of the Granite Park in Golden Square, Aberdeen, when he flew into a rage at Natalie Forbes while the pair were drinking after shutting the establishment for the night.
In a sustained attack, which took place intermittently over a number of hours, he punched and kicked his victim, stamped on her and eventually restrained her by pressing his foot down upon her neck.
The attack only stopped when a passer-by spotted his actions and intervened.
The 29-year-old, from Cruden Bay, admitted carrying out a “prolonged” attack on Ms Forbes during a previous appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court.
Yesterday, the court heard that Ms Forbes has been unable to return to work as she struggles with the psychological effects of the sustained assault.
Sheriff Ian Wallace condemned the accused for his behaviour but opted against sending him to prison.
Murray was instead ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work in the next 12 months and told he must remain within his home between 8pm and 7am for the next eight months.
He was also told to pay Ms Forbes £5,000 in compensation to make up for her lost earnings.
The sustained incident took place at about 2.30am on Sunday July 29 this year, beginning in the restaurant but continuing outside and lasting until about 5am.
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Fiscal Lucy Simpson previously explained how Murray lashed out after being told to put out a cigarette he was smoking inside the premises.
She said: “The accused became very aggressive with the complainer at that point. He punched her twice to the face.”
Murray, of Morrison Place in Cruden Bay, later admitted a charge of “repeatedly punching” the woman on the head, “stamping on her body, placing his foot against her neck and body and applying pressure, kicking her on the body, holding her to the ground, and attempting to punch her on the head and stamp on her head”.
Court papers said the woman was left “severely injured” by the attack, which only came to an end when a passerby raised the alarm.
Defence agent John Ferrie said Murray was unable to explain his actions.
Mr Ferrie said: “He has never been in trouble before. He is horrified and truly ashamed.”
Sheriff Ian Wallace said: “This assault took place for no reason, inside the premises and outside.
“Much of it was captured on CCTV.
“It was clear your victim was in significant distress, but you continued to behave in a nasty and aggressive manner towards her.
“She suffered significant injury to her head, neck and face and can remember little of the incident before waking up in a hospital bed.”
Forbes Innes, director of Granite Park, said Murray had been dismissed following the incident, while his victim resigned shortly after.
He said: “This has had a massive effect on us because they were two long-standing employees who we trusted.
“We’re shocked this happened. Absolutely gobsmacked.”
