A Smithton welder who broke a man’s nose was ordered to pay his victim £500 compensation was fined £675 at Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday.
Sheriff Eric Brown heard that Robert Macrae had been drinking when he passed through a tunnel under the railway line in Aviemore on July 27 last year and met a group of people.
Depute fiscal Michelle Molley said the 25 year-old told them he had lost his phone then accused them of stealing it.
Ms Molley said Andrew Howe took out his phone and offered to call Macrae’s number to help him find it.
“Without warning Macrae punched him in the face before making off along Grampian Road.”
Ms Molley said Mr Howie attended the police station in Aviemore and reported the matter and when he was assessed at Aviemore Health Centre it was confirmed his nose was broken and had to be reset.
Macrae of 57 Cranmore Drive, Smithton admitted assaulting Mr Howe to his injury by punching him on the head.
Solicitor John MacColl said Macrae was an apprentice welder and his recollection was poor because of the alcohol he had consumed.
Mr MacColl said he had previous convictions but had turned his life around. “He has put his troubled youth behind him and is committed to not committing any further offences.”
Sheriff Brown said he had received a letter in favourable terms from Macrae’s employer and he was prepared to deal with the case by a fine and compensation order.
