A 21-year-old man has been branded a “savage” and a “coward” by a sheriff after he admitted stamping on a stranger’s head in Aberdeen city centre.
Sidat Faye pleaded guilty to assaulting Gary MacDougall to the danger of his life on Union Street, at the taxi rank near Soul Casino.
His victim, who escaped with only a concussion, had been enjoying a night out with friends.
But Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard a disagreement broke out between Mr MacDougall and some of Faye’s party.
Fiscal depute Anna Chisholm played the court CCTV capturing the assault, with footage zooming in on the fight as Faye stamped on Mr MacDougall’s head.
Falling over after the sickening attack, he was seen to regain his feet and kicked the now unconscious man in the head.
Sheriff Miller condemned the attack, telling Faye he had “pleaded guilty to an absolutely disgraceful assault”.
“I am aware he was involved in a confrontation with your friend but the video showed him lying on on the road in Union Street.
“You for absolutely no reason, when he was no threat to you, and in the most savage and cowardly fashion, stamped on his head.
“You then deliver what can only be described as a volley to this man’s head. It is miraculous to me that he was not more seriously injured.”
In defence of her client, solicitor Laura Gracie said it was not until Faye saw the video of the assault that he realised the “full manner of his actions” and was “visibly affected”.
She said he had not taken alcohol since the incident, which happened early on the morning of March 3 this year.
She added: “What he will never be able to explain is why he acted like that.
“He noticed his friend had a fairly significant cut on his head and it was after that happened that he began to act in this way.
“But he has taken responsibility for his actions and is well aware he could be given a custodial sentence.”
Sheriff Miller said a report prepared by social workers did not assess Faye as at “significant risk” of re-offending as long as his alcohol consumption was kept in check.
He was instead put on curfew for six months and must remain within his George Street home between 9pm and 5am.
The sheriff also placed Faye under supervision for a year and ordered him to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work.
He must also pay £750 in compensation to his victim.
