An ice hockey star who broke a man’s jaw during a team night out has been ordered to pay £3,200 compensation to his victim.
A court was told former Dundee Stars player Lukas Nielsen would need to get his parents to pay the money initially, until his new club starts to pay his wages.
Sheriff Alistair Carmichael told Nielsen that he wanted to impose an unpaid worker order but couldn’t because it was “too complicated” after Brexit.
He told the Danish star: “I was hoping to impose a community payback order you could do in your home country but that is not going to work.
“Since we left the EU it is too complicated now and there are too many uncertainties.
“I will impose a £3,200 compensation order and give you one month to pay.”
Solicitor Mike Short, defending, told the court: “He has brought a copy of his ice hockey contract, confirming he is playing in Poland for a team.
“His family have confirmed they will be responsible for payment and that he must pay them back. He is ultimately going to be the person responsible for payment.”
Nielsen knocked his victim unconscious during an attack on a team night out to celebrate beating local rivals Fife Flyers 4-1.
Nielsen ran up behind a couple and attacked them without warning after leaving the Underground nightclub in Dundee at 2.30am on February 18 2019.
The 26-year-old assaulted Erin McGee by pushing her to the ground as she tried to get between him and her friend Gabriel Mos.
He then launched a series of blows at Mr Mos which left him out cold on the ground and with a broken jaw which required braces to hold it together.
‘He did not get back up’
Fiscal depute Gavin Burton told the court: “He was a professional ice hockey player, playing for Dundee Stars. He has since returned to Denmark.
“The complainers and a third person with them became aware of the accused running up behind them and acting aggressively towards others.
“She put herself between the parties and he pushed her to the ground. Others challenged his behaviour. The accused then punched Mr Mos in the face.
“The accused was removed by others and a struggle ensued. He approached Mr Mos again and punched him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground.
“He did not get back up. Police arrived and found Mr Mos lying on the ground surrounded by others. He was conscious and talking.”
Door staff apprehended Nielsen and handed him to police.
Mr Burton said: “The complainer had a fractured left lower jaw. A filling was missing as it had been knocked out.
“Temporary braces were needed in the mouth to hold it together while it healed.”
‘Out of character’
When he was arrested and quizzed by police, Elite League player Nielsen – who made 83 appearances during two seasons in Scotland – said: “It was a one on one.”
Mr Short told the sheriff: “His behaviour was out of character. He is not a drinker but it had been a local derby between Dundee and Fife and the team had gone out after.
“There had been an earlier incident involving Mr Nielsen and his friend and his friend had been hurt.
“He rightly or wrongly assumed it was the complainer or other persons and went after them.
“There was a lot of pushing and shoving. He is not a small chap and ice hockey is not a soft sport. He didn’t have to get involved. He’s not blaming others.
“The injuries to the lady were superficial but he still should not have pushed her over. No person should be fighting in the streets of Dundee.
“His contract came up for renewal in April after this incident and it was not renewed – he suspects as a result of this behaviour. He does not blame the team for that decision.”
Disappointed parents
Mr Short said Nielsen had been struggling to pursue his career with the court case hanging over him and was living with his parents to save money.
“His parents were disappointed in him. There can be certain entertainment value in ice hockey when hands are raised, but that is not the case with him. He loves it for the love of the game.”
Nielsen, formerly of Hillcrest Road, Dundee, admitted attacking Mr Mos in South Tay Street by repeatedly punching him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground to his severe injury.
Nielsen also admitted attacking and injuring Erin McGee by pushing her on the body and causing her to fall to the ground to her injury.
