A drunken thug punched a man in the face and kicked him in the groin during an unprovoked attack in Auchterarder town centre.
Labourer Darren MacDonald asked his victim if he had “got any gear?” before lashing out, Perth Sheriff Court heard.
The injured man fled on foot and locked himself inside his house.
MacDonald, of Ruthven Place, pleaded guilty to a charge of assault to injury on May 15, last year.
Sentence was deferred for reports and the “shamefaced” 33-year-old was warned he could face jail.
Bruising attack
Fiscal depute Rebecca Kynaston said the complainer and a friend were out drinking in Auchterarder.
“They were drinking in various public houses,” she said.
“Whilst within the Star Hotel, the complainer’s friend was standing at the bar.
“He walked backwards and into the accused.”
Ms Kynaston said: “He apologised to the accused and then took a seat at the other end of the bar.
“At about 12.30am, both witnesses left the hotel and made their way to the complainer’s home.
“They were standing on a footpath, chatting, when they became aware of the accused on the other side of the road.
“He mumbled: ‘Have you got any gear?’
“Both witnesses say they did not and the accused became aggressive.
“He shouted and told them they were lying.
“Without warning, the accused punched the complainer in the face, striking him in the mouth and causing his bottom lip to bleed.
“The complainer then pressed his arm across the accused, to prevent him from doing anything further.
“But the accused managed to hit him in the groin area.”
The fiscal depute said: “Both witnesses ran down a private access lane and into the complainer’s property and locking the door behind them.”
The court heard the victim suffered a swollen lip and bruising to his groin.
He did not seek medical attention.
Ms Kynaston said: “Police were contacted and the accused was identified by the complainer.”
All sentencing options open
Solicitor Paul Ralph, defending, said: “Mr MacDonald is shamefaced about his behaviour that night.
“He does have a record, but he has certainly slowed down in recent years.”
The court heard that MacDonald had taken steps to address alcohol abuse.
“He is in a position where he could pay compensation,” said Mr Ralph.
Sheriff Wyllie Robertson: “You have a record of violence.
“I am persuaded to at least call for reports to see what options are open to the court.
“But you must be aware all options do remain open.”
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