A man who was giving a piggyback to a woman with no underwear on was punched after a passerby “took offence”.
Sean Donegan passed the pair on Union Street in the early hours of the morning and took issue with the woman’s lack of undergarments.
The 30-year-old told the woman she was “flashing” and when her friend, who was carrying her on his back, made a comment in response, Donegan became violent.
He punched the man to the head, leaving him “dizzy” and with a 2cm gash to his right temple.
Fiscal depute Anne MacDonald told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 4am on September 26 2021 as the complainer and his female friend were walking along Union Street near Chapel Street and Rose Street.
‘He took offence at the fact she was not wearing any underwear’
She said: “At the time, the complainer’s friend was on top of the complainer’s back – a piggyback situation.
“The accused was walking nearby in the opposite direction.
“When they passed, the accused said something similar to ‘you’re flashing’, referring to the female on the complainer’s back.”
Ms MacDonald said the man then turned around and engaged with Donegan and there was a short “verbal argument”.
The man and woman continued on their way but noticed Donegan going towards them as they turned onto Rose Street.
Ms MacDoanld said: “The accused approached the complainer and punched him to the right temple area.”
Donegan then “ran away” and the injured man returned to Union Street to flag down police.
Due to feeling dizzy, he was taken to hospital and found to have a 2cm laceration to his right temple.
Donegan, of Short Loanings, Aberdeen, pled guilty to a charge of assault to injury.
‘It’s a matter of regret’
Defence agent Lynn Bentley said: “The accused’s position is he did make a comment regarding the female on the back of the complainer’s back.
“He took offence at the fact she was not wearing any underwear.
“The female got off her friend’s back. There was a verbal argument between the two gentlemen.
“He’s then effectively going in the same direction.”
Ms Bentley added: “When verbally challenged, a punch took place. It was literally as he was passing.
“It’s a matter of regret, almost a reflex action.”
Sheriff Rhona Wark told Donegan he had a “significant record” and ordered him to be jailed for 40 days.
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