A row over a parking space escalated into an “out of control” attack that led to a man being punched and headbutted in a Moray street.
John Ralph, of Forres, landed a series of blows on his victim after spotting him while driving through the town.
An on-going quarrel between the 32-year-old and Mark Griffiths over a parking space had become increasingly acrimonious.
The feud developed into an assault on Pilmuir Road in Forres on June 21 last year when a chance meeting between the two sparked a confrontation.
Yesterday, Ralph was ordered to pay compensation to Mr Griffiths after pleading guilty at Elgin Sheriff Court.
Fiscal Alex Swain explained the victim was walking in the street when a car pulled up alongside him.
She said: “The accused got out of the car and punched and headbutted Mr Griffiths to his head, causing injury to his nose and left eye.
“The accused thereafter punched Mr Griffiths repeatedly to his body. Mr Griffiths is described as having his hands raised and being slumped against a garden wall.
“An independent witness described the accused as out of control.”
Ralph subsequently got into his car and drove away from the scene.
Mr Griffiths was “visibly shaking” when he arrived at the police station in Forres to report the incident. Officers reported seeing blood on his face.
The court heard that when questioned by police, Ralph said he had also been hit in the scrap.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty stressed the altercation began after Mr Griffiths placed his hand on Ralph’s car.
He added that a row over a parking space had been the catalyst for bad blood between the pair.
Mr Carty added: “Mr Ralph parked his car outside the complainer’s address while visiting his partner.
“It’s a public street, there is nothing to stop Mr Ralph from parking there but it has caused consternation with the complainer.
“He was simply parking there because it was close to his partner’s house, not for any other reason.”
Ralph, of Old Bridge Court in Forres, was sentenced to 135 hours of unpaid work, was placed under supervision for 12 months and was ordered to pay £150 in compensation to Mr Griffiths after admitting one charge of assault.
