A birthday party attacker who left his victim with life threatening internal bleeding has been ordered to pay £2,000 compensation.
Apprentice electrician Lee Hutchison was given a community sentence after telling a court he is now getting help for drug addicition.
He was ordered to complete 300 hours unpaid community work and placed under social work supervision for 12 months at Dundee Sheriff Court.
Sheriff Paul Brown told him a breach would lead to prison.
He said: “I am giving you a stark warning that if there is any issue with the order I have imposed, you can fully expect the alternative sentence.”
Party attack
The court heard previously how Hutchison endangered a man’s life by booting him on the ground and rupturing his liver at a 50th birthday party.
The 22-year-old left his victim needing emergency surgery after carrying out the unprovoked attack.
He suffered internal bleeding and collapsed when he was taken to hospital the day after the assault.
Fiscal depute Christine Allen said Hutchison turned up uninvited to the party in Monifieth but was allowed entry.
He took exception to being asked to leave at 1.30 when the party ended and attacked the other man outside, pushing him over.
He booted his crying victim twice as he lay on the ground.
The court heard Hutchison claimed it was because a comment had been made about someone’s dress but others at the party said they believed this was made up.
Assault to danger of life
The assault victim felt unwell and was extremely pale and shaken by the time he was taken to hospital the next evening.
He was found to have internal bleeding from a ruptured liver.
The court was told Hutchison sent a Snapchat message to the man telling him he was sorry for the attack.
Ms Allen said his life had been endangered because he had been at risk of a fatal bleed in the wake of the incident.
Hutchison, of Birkhill, admitted assault to severe injury and danger of life in Fountainbrae, Monifeith, on August 30 2020.
Solicitor John Boyle, defending, said: “He was suffering difficulty at the time with cocaine and Valium use and an alcohol difficulty.
“He feels guilt and shame about his behaviour.
“He has had the sense to recognise the difficulties these were causing and sought help.”
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