A shopper who punched a Tesco worker in a row over diluting juice says he has a letter of apology for his victim – should he ever be welcome back in the store.
James Gordon was shopping in the Forres supermarket when he punched the shelf stacker in the stomach and repeatedly told him to “f*** off”.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard the “remorseful and apologetic” 40-year-old, who has a problem with alcohol, is now eager to give his victim a letter of apology and “shake his hand”.
Fiscal depute Stuart Coleman said the employee had started work at the Nairn Road supermarket at 3.30pm on April 20 this year and his shift continued without incident until Gordon approached him at the rear of the shop around 6pm.
Assault in the aisles
“He was remonstrating about there being no diluting juice,” he said. “He told the witness to ‘f*** off’ repeatedly and continued to shout at him before, without provocation, punching him once in the stomach.”
Police were contacted and Gordon was cautioned and charged.
In court, he pled guilty at the first opportunity to assault of a retail worker.
Defence agent Grant Dalglish said alcohol consumption was an “explanation not an excuse” for Gordon’s behaviour.
Wishes to offer handshake
“He is remorseful when sober,” he said. “He has a letter waiting to give to that employee once bail conditions are removed and if he is welcome back in that store.
“He would wish to shake that gentleman’s hand and apologise to him.
“Alcohol is an issue for him. He is remorseful and apologetic and if he gets his alcohol under control I don’t think we will see him in this court again.”
He added that his client, a carer for his mother, last had an analogous conviction more than 20 years ago.
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood handed Gordon, of Shieldaig Road, Elgin, a one-year supervision order and 67 hours of unpaid work.
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