A discussion in a taxi about Islamic fundamentalism turned violent when the passenger attacked the driver.
Harunur Rashid was head-butted two or three times in his vehicle and then repeatedly punched on the head after he got out to escape the onslaught.
At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, 56-year-old Donald MacIver, of Proby Street, Maryburgh, admitted a charge of assault to injury which occurred in Smithton in the early hours of New Year’s Day this year.
Sentence was deferred until October 3 for a background report.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir said Mr Rashid needed three stitches to a cut on his left eyebrow, and suffered bruising and swelling to his face. A tooth was also loosened, Mr Weir added.
He said when police took Mr Rashid back to Smithton to pinpoint the exact location, MacIver turned up at the scene.
The court heard that MacIver told police: “I believe it is me you are looking for. I will plead guilty.”
