A Carnoustie man pushed a woman more than 20 years his senior after their dogs were involved in a confrontation.
Appearing at Forfar Sheriff Court, Steven Clark, 40, of Old Downie Farm, admitted the assault, which occurred at Links Parade in Carnoustie on March 21 last year.
Depute fiscal Nicola Gillespie said the push caused the woman to fall to the ground though no medical attention was required.
She told the court: “The complainer is aged 63 and was at the locus walking her dog. She walked towards the beach past the golf course.
“The accused was coming in the opposite direction. His Jack Russell dog ran up to the complainer’s dog and they began squabbling.
“The complainer shouted to her dog to come back. As her dog came back to her she saw the accused kick her dog.
“She then asked the accused not to do that. She describes him as coming right into her face. He then pushed her.
“An off duty police officer was also walking his dog at the time and asked the accused to stay where he was. The police then attended.”
Defence agent Keith Sim said Clark hadn’t intended to hurt the woman but knows his behaviour was “unacceptable”.
He said: “My client’s dog became involved in an altercation with another dog. He tried to separate them and felt the lady wasn’t being helpful.
“The dogs were in about each other.
“He didn’t intend for her to fall over. He intended to push her away. She thereafter lost her balance. She didn’t require medical attention.
“He didn’t cause any difficulties thereafter, he did the right thing.
“In the last 20 years apart from a minor matter he has not been in the courts. He has put his past behind him.
“He would like the matter brought to an end. He accepts that his behaviour was unacceptable.
“He didn’t try to hurt the lady but he accepts that he pushed her and that the consequence of this is that she fell over. Thankfully there was no injury.”
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio fined Clark £300.
He said: “I have regard for the circumstances and I note your regret and embarrassment and that there was no injury caused but you appreciate that you cannot do this sort of thing.
“Given that there has been a long gap in your offending, I’m going to impose a fine of £300, reduced from £400 to take account of your early plea.”
