A Brechin teenager has been fined £450 for his “greater” part in an early hours alleyway attack in the Angus town.
Mark Craig and Martyn Cumming beat their victim after words were exchanged on the town’s High Street in the early hours of March 15 last year.
The co-accused was previously dealt with at Forfar Sheriff Court and, despite their victim’s reluctance to be involved in any criminal proceedings, a sheriff told Craig he had been part of a “serious” offence.
The 19-year-old, of Church Street, Brechin, appeared for sentence before Sheriff Pino Di Emidio, which depute fiscal Jill Drummond said had been spotted by an eagle-eyed CCTV operator.
Their 18-year-old victim was seen on Brechin High Street around 1.30am when the accused and some friends were standing near the Old Bolag Bar.
The complainer made an unknown remark and the co-accused was then seen to run at him and punch him in the head.
Others intervened in an attempt to pull the pair apart, but they then went up an alleyway and Craig was seen to leap up and attempt to kick the witness in the head, stumbling back as if he had made contact.
“The accused re-entered the lane and punched the victim before being joined by his co-accused,” added the fiscal.
“A few moments later Craig left the lane and the area.
“A police CCTV operator had observed the assault and instructed officers, who arrived at the locus a few minutes later.
The complainer was found to have a bloody nose and swelling to his eye and cheek.
“He was asked several times who assaulted him but refused to give details and said he would not provide a statement,” added Ms Drummond.
Solicitor Nick Markowski said Craig had been drinking heavily on the Saturday night and although something seems to have been said to trigger the incident he had a limited recollection of events.
“He got involved because his pals got involved and it was out of misguided loyalty.
“He has seen the complainer a few times since this and it seems to be water under the bridge,” added Mr Markowski.
Sheriff Di Emidio told Craig: “The charge you face is a serious one, but I note that ultimately the complainer does not seem to have required much treatment.
“It seems that you bear a greater degree of blame in relation to this matter.”