An offshore worker who viciously attacked a granddad in front of his crying granddaughter was yesterday spared prison – after the court heard he was in a state of confusion having attended a drink-fuelled “blackening”.
Conor Cowie had been drinking alcohol all day after attending the traditional pre-wedding celebration in Buckie when he turned up at David Harrison’s property on McIntosh Avenue.
In his drunken state, Cowie had mistaken the house for another one two doors down which was hosting a party – and instead waited outside until Mr Harrison pulled up in his car.
The grandfather arrived back from a trip to Inverness with his wife, step-daughter and eight-year-old granddaughter when Cowie tried to barge his way into Mr Harrison’s home.
When he was told to go away, Cowie tried the car door handle as well before being confronted.
The 27-year-old then launched a savage attack, punching Mr Harrison repeatedly in the face, and fracturing his right cheekbone and eye socket – with the little girl witnessing the entire incident and crying throughout.
Yesterday at Elgin Sheriff Court, defence solicitor Matthew O’Neill appealed for his client to be spared a custodial sentence, pointing at his clean record up to now and his job offshore.
He said: “He had been out that day on August 8, at a wedding party for one of his close friends.
“He was at a blackening which is a traditional event where friends and family have fun with the bride and groom.
“Alcohol was consumed to an excess as they visited various bars and clubs in the local area, and the party continued two doors down from Mr Harrison’s address.
“My client made his way to that address and thought he was outside, and made attempts to get in the property when people arrived.
“When he was ushered away, he did not understand why and misread the situation – which then developed violently. He takes full responsibility for his actions.”
Mr Harrison was taken to hospital following the attack and was diagnosed with a broken right cheekbone and eye socket.
He was then taken to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness where he underwent surgery and got a titanium plate fitted in his right cheekbone.
Cowie, of Titness Street in Buckie, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Mr Harrison to his severe injury at an earlier hearing.
Sheriff Chris Dickson told Cowie he was extremely fortunate to avoid a custodial sentence.
He imposed 300 hours of unpaid work and ordered the accused to pay £3,000 in compensation to Mr Harrison.
