An Arbroath roofer and father-of-four has been jailed after seriously injuring a man in a “senseless” glass bottle attack at a town nightclub.
Bradley Lowther, 25, was under the influence of alcohol and drugs when he hit the man, who had tried to break up an argument between the accused and another male in the smoking area of De Vito’s.
The victim sustained a cracked eye socket and a fractured forehead, requiring surgery.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that an argument had ensued when Mr Lowther “found himself” at the same nightclub as his partner, whom he was banned from contacting through a bail order, and her ex-boyfriend.
His solicitor explained: “There had been an exchange between him (the ex-boyfriend) and Mr Lowther. This was heated.
“The complainant stepped between them and put his hand on Mr Lowther.
“Mr Lowther believed he was going to be attacked.
“He had a bottle in his hand and swung the bottle.
“It wasn’t self-defence, it was a spur of the moment reaction. There was no pre-planning involved.
“Mr Lowther had been drinking heavily and had also been using illicit substances.
“He doesn’t seek to excuse his actions but his state of intoxication impaired his judgement. He takes full responsibility.
“He is extremely concerned about the impact of custody, not only on himself but on his family.
“His partner has just given birth and is unable to work at the moment. He is a self-employed roofer and is supporting the family.”
Lowther, of Dishlandtown Street, Arbroath, pled guilty to striking the man on the head with a glass bottle at De Vito’s, Millgate on November 3.
The court heard that since the incident he had abstained from drugs and alcohol.
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael said there was no alternative to prison for Lowther, who has a previous conviction for assault.
Sentencing him to 18 months imprisonment, Sheriff Carmichael said: “This was a senseless offence by you, with a weapon.
“You caused severe injuries.
“You already had three community disposals. The last one was for an assault to injury.
“I take it that you have learned very little from this.
“There is no alternative to a custodial sentence.”
