A grieving man got drunk on the anniversary of the death of his sister and ended up in police custody after attacking nightclub door staff.
But 30-year-old Alexander Simpson was spared a prison sentence after his wife wrote to Sheriff Christopher Dickson and pleaded with him not to jail sentence.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told yesterday that she had health issues and had problems looking after their two sons while he was on remand.
Simpson’s agent, solicitor Alison Foggo, produced a letter from Mrs Simpson and then added: “He had a bad record when he was younger but he has settled down and is determined to be a better father.”
The sheriff imposed a restriction of liberty order, which will mean Simpson remaining at his home at 7 Cluny Road, Dingwall, between 7pm-7am every day for the next eight months.
He had earlier admitted assaulting two door staff at The Picture House in Dingwall by spitting at them, throwing punches and hurling a car wing mirror at them.
He also admitted maliciously damaging the vehicle and resisting arrest when police were called. He was placed on a community payback order but did not co-operate and the order was breached.
He appeared from custody having been remanded so a background report could be prepared.
Fiscal depute Laura Ryan told the court that as Simpson left the nightspot on January 26 last year he took exception to the door staff.
After he was arrested and charged he told police: “I don’s remember any of this. Oh my God, what was going on?”
Ms Foggo told the court that the date of the offence was the anniversary of the death of his older sister.
She said: “He was on a low and this was the trigger for him going out and getting drunk. It was plainly unacceptable behaviour.
“He had a poor upbringing and the arrival of his two sons had the effect of settling him down because he wanted to give them better parenting than he had.
“His wife has health difficulties and relies on him to help.”
Sheriff Dickson told Simpson: “Had it not been for the circumstances of your partner and your children and what was said on your behalf by your lawyer, you would be going to prison.”
