A Forfar drinker who punched a pensioner in a pub bust-up is facing the prospect of an electronic tag.
Robert Carnegie and his 72-year-old victim had initially been chatting amicably in the Angus town’s Victoria Bar after meeting during separate day-long summer drinking sessions before their banter turned sour in the Dundee Loan hostelry.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard Carnegie – who was previously convicted of knocking a football fan unconscious in the street near the town’s Station Park – had sat down beside the OAP around 10.30pm on July 27 and introduced himself.
Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said the complainer said he knew Carnegie’s father and the pair began chatting about football.
“There was an altercation between the two over a disagreement about the accused’s father,” said the fiscal.
Carnegie punched the pensioner, cutting his left eye, before the two men began pushing each other.
They were separated and told to stay at opposite ends of the pub, the court heard.
“Some time after that they then shook hands and went their separate ways,” said the fiscal.
However, the victim then stopped at Forfar police office to report the incident.
Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said: “I understand the complainer had been out since about 1.30pm in various Forfar premises and Mr Carnegie also went out on the Saturday afternoon.
“Mr Carnegie is a local in the Victoria Bar whereas the other man isn’t. My client is still welcome there.
“This happened around 10.30, they are separated and then remain in the pub for about one and half hours without difficulty.
“The complainer passes the police station on his way home and decides after a period of reflection to report the matter.
“I understand that he was given a police warning over his own behaviour.”
Sheriff Reekie told Carnegie, who admitted breaching the peace and punching the 72-year-old to his injury in the bar: “Despite the nature of this offence, I can’t help but see you have a number of convictions for violence.
“Your last conviction was for a significant offence and you have a number of offences involving licensed premises.”
Sentence was deferred until April 9 for a background report and tagging order assessment.
In 2018, Carnegie avoided a jail sentence after breaking a man’s jaw in a street attack near Forfar Athletic’s ground.
The victim had been at Station Park matchday hospitality when he encountered Carnegie in a nearby pub.
