A BLACK Watch private who assaulted a man with a plank of wood had been “letting off steam” after returning from Iraq, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard yesterday.

Amphon Supharee (18), along with co-accused Ruaraidh Allan (16), admitted assaults on two men in the town on March 1.

The offences took place in the town centre in the early hours of the morning.

Depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston told the court that, just before the offences occurred, Allan had said something similar to “my friend’s a Thai boxer.”

Allan, Buchanan Court, Falkirk, admitted assaulting Joe McColl, pushing him and punching him on the head to his injury in Maygate.

He further admitted assaulting Mark Murray and repeatedly kicking him to the head and body in Bothwell Street.

Supharee, of A Company, Fort George, pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr McColl and punching him once on the face to his injury in Maygate.

He also admitted assaulting Mr Murray and repeatedly striking him with a plank of wood on the body to his injury, in Bothwell Street.

Mr McColl sustained head injuries, but he was not seriously hurt. Mr Murray’s injuries were not severe but he sustained cuts and bruises.

Sheriff Craig McSherry told solicitor Russell McPhate, “Kicking to the head is quite a serious matter. Even though the injuries might not be serious, the intention is there.”

The sheriff also had something to say about the fact Allan was under the influence of alcohol at the time. “He is 16—we have laws in this country which are supposed to prevent 16-year-olds getting access to alcohol.”

Mr McPhate said a racist remark had been made which offended Supharee.

Solicitor Lynsey McCrann said Supharee had the support of his commander, who was present in court yesterday. She said, “I have a copy of a report, showing his exemplary record in the army.”

A jail sentence, Mrs McCrann said, would mean immediate discharge for her client.

“Perhaps this incident could be explained as him letting off steam after a tour of duty in Iraq, and that he was in the wrong place at the wrong time and making wrong decisions,” she said.

Sheriff McSherry imposed a fine of £800 on Allan and a £900 fine on Supharee.