Forfar man fined for punching ex-girlfriend in nightclub

An Angus man who punched his ex-girlfriend after a nightclub bust-up has been fined £225.

Sheriff Gregor Murray at Forfar told Gareth Brown although he may have been provoked, there was “no excuse” for his actions at the town’s Club One nightspot on November 23.

Painter and decorator Brown, 29 of Restenneth Drive, Forfar, admitted hitting the woman, causing her to fall to the ground.

The court heard the incident followed an earlier dancefloor altercation and the woman had a crown on one of her teeth knocked out.

The assault happened as Brown was walking past her to leave and she made a comment towards him.

Defence solicitor Nick Markowski said: “They separated around four years ago but there was ongoing contact between the pair of them and there have been no further difficulties.

“Both of them were drunk, there had been an argument, she throws a punch at him and he reacted,” added the solicitor.

Fining Brown, Sheriff Murray told him: “I accept there was provocation but there can never be any excuse for what you did.”