A medical student has escaped a conviction for punching a man in a nightclub despite admitting the offence – because it would affect his career.
Sahilpreet Singh had been on a night out with friends to celebrate his birthday when he got into a drunken row with another reveller in Tunnels on Carnegies Brae.
The 24-year-old lashed out and punched the man in the face, breaking his glasses and leaving him with a cut to his face.
But the student was handed an absolute discharge as a conviction would have impacted his career in the medical profession and potentially affected his immigration status.
The absolute discharge means that not only does Singh not face any punishment but the matter also does not count as a conviction on his record.
Fiscal depute Ryan Diamond told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the assault took place at about midnight on October 10 2021.
“At that time, the complainer and accused were involved in a verbal disagreement,” he said.
“It seems that the complainer and accused were in close proximity in the nightclub and it was the view of the complainer that he was pushed by the accused.
‘Devastated to find himself in the position he does’
“A short time later, the complainer and his friend again approached the accused to speak with him about the earlier disagreement.
“The accused became increasingly hostile and, without warning, punched the complainer to the face.”
The assault left the man with a cut to his face which had to be glued closed at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary.
He was also left with broken glasses.
Singh was detained by door staff until police arrived.
Singh, of Sunnybank Road, Aberdeen, pled guilty to a charge of assault to injury.
Defence agent Paul Barnett said his client, who had no previous convictions, had just turned 23 at the time of the offence and had been out celebrating his birthday.
He said Singh is an Indian national, having come to the UK in 2013, and was now a fourth-year medical student.
Mr Barnett said: “The consequences of this incident and proceeding are potentially catastrophic for Mr Singh and his career.
“He had been out with friends celebrating his birthday. He advises he seldom drinks, but quite a number of people were buying him drinks.
‘Consequences of a conviction on your imminent medical career’
“He’s got no recollection at all of this incident.”
The solicitor explained that there had been some “accidental contact” between the men on the dancefloor.
He continued: “Mr Singh is absolutely devastated to find himself in the position he does, and is devastated he caused someone injury, which flies in the face of everything he’s training for.
“Having regard for his young age, character, potential consequences for his career and immigration status, I invite your lordship to consider dealing with this by way of an absolute discharge.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller said he took into account Singh’s age, lack of previous convictions and positive references.
He added: “Finally, I have regard to the potential consequences of a conviction for this matter on your imminent medical career and potentially your immigration status.
“In all the circumstances, I’m satisfied it’s possible to make the order requested by Mr Barnett and you’ll be discharged absolutely.”
Previous leniency for students
It’s not the first time a sheriff has allowed attackers to walk free without punishment after hearing that a conviction would be bad for their future careers.
In May there was outrage when University of Aberdeen’s Mohammad Hassan, 22, Luke Dragic, 21, and Paul Elliott, 21, were handed an absolute discharge despite admitting to assaulting two men outside ATIK nightclub.
Sheriff Edward Gilroy handed the trio an absolute discharge due to the “disproportionate impact” of a criminal conviction on all of their lives.
He added: “And in particular, Mr Hassan and the specific impact this would have on you.
“I do take the view that it is inexpedient to inflict punishment and instead I am making an order to discharge each of you absolutely.”
All three students celebrated upon hearing the verdict, with law student Hassan bounding out of the court building and punching the air.
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