A Fraserburgh man has gone on trial accused of severely injuring a New Year party-goer in an unprovoked attack.
Peterhead Sheriff Court heard yesterday that Ryan Watt lashed out at Kenneth Davidson when he came to his father’s home in the early hours of January 1, 2014, then pursued him into the street outside, kicking and punching him while he was on the ground.
Mr Davidson, 23, was left with a fractured jaw and needed surgery to repair the damage.
Welder Watt, 22, denies assaulting him and yesterday his solicitor claimed he had been acting in self-defence.
The court heard the drama unfolded after Watt’s father – also named Ryan – invited a group of Hogmanay party-goers to his home at St Andrew’s Drive.
They included Mr Davidson and his then girlfriend, 25-year-old hairdressing student Kimberley McHattie.
The jury was told Watt, of 22 Queen Mary Street, struck out after Mr Davidson walked into a downstairs bedroom where he was playing music.
Giving evidence, Miss McHattie said: “I went into the room where Ryan and Donatella (Ryan’s sister) were putting on music.
“I asked him to put on some songs and Kenneth walked into the room.
“Without saying anything, Ryan stood up and punched him. It all happened so quick. Ryan was kicking and punching Kenneth.
“He got up and tried to get away, but Ryan kept going for him.”
Watt’s solicitor, John Adam, suggested his client only punched Mr Davidson after he attacked first.
He asked Mr Davidson if he had put “two and two together” after walking into the room to find Watt and Miss McHattie together.
“At that point, that’s the red rag to the bull to you, and you punch Ryan Watt Jnr on the chin,” he said.
Mr Davidson denied Mr Adam’s version of events.
The court was told the fish factory manager was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary for treatment, but discharged himself before he was properly examined.
It was only after discovering he was in extreme pain while trying to eat on January 2 that he allowed doctors in Fraserburgh to perform an X-ray.
They found he had suffered two fractures to his jaw and required surgery.
The case is expected to close this morning.
