An Inverurie man assaulted two strangers in “gratuitous and violent” attacks inside an Aberdeen nightspot, a court has heard.
Shaun McGregor turned on the pair inside Prohibition after he was caught trying to take someone’s drink.
McGregor, 26, grabbed one victim by the throat, pinned him against the bar and then punched him in the face, Aberdeen Sheriff Court was told.
And when the victim’s friend tried to intervene he was punched in the face too.
Fiscal depute Jane Spark said the attacks in the Langstane Place venue took place just before 1am on December 27 2021.
Tried to pinch drink then assaulted two men
“One of the complainers left to go to the toilet and the accused tried to take his drink at which point he had been stopped,” the fiscal said.
“When the witness returned he didn’t react and continued socialising in the bar area.
“The accused then approached one of the witnesses, grabbing him by the throat and pushing him against the bar and punching him to the head.”
When the other man intervened to help he was also assaulted.
Both victims suffered facial injuries.
McGregor admitted two charges of assault to injury.
Defence agent Chris Maitland said the incident was a “minor altercation which escalated”.
He said McGregor was struggling with medicated substances and family difficulties at the time.
“He apologises for his actions, which he regrets,” the solicitor added.
‘Gratuitous and violent assaults’
Sheriff Margaret Hodge told him: “I know you were keen to accept responsibility as soon as you could for what were gratuitous and violent assaults on people you didn’t know.
“You have a previous conviction for violent offending.
“If you assault people in this way by punching people to the head, you don’t know what the outcome is going to be. It could be far more serious.
“I note you have taken steps to address your alcohol intake.”
She fined McGregor, of Gadieburn Drive, Inverurie, a total of £590.
For all the latest court cases in Aberdeen as well as crime and breaking incidents, join our Facebook group.
