A SINGLE punch cost an Angus man 18 months of his liberty, a court heard.
Forfar Sheriff Court heard how Roy Rankin, of Southesk Terrace, Brechin, punched a man on the street after he refused to have a drink with him.
The 28-year-old, who has had 40 previous convictions, appeared from custody and depute fiscal Hannah Kennedy said the accused was trying to avoid him as he “knew of his proclivities”.
She said: “The complainer had been working and had been at a friend’s house in Brechin. At around 10pm he left for home, at which time he came upon the accused.
“The complainer said the accused was known to him and indicated he tried to avoid him as he was aware of his proclivities. He appeared to have been drinking.
“The complainer said the accused invited him to go for a drink, to which he said no as he had to get home.
“Without warning, the accused dealt him a single blow, which caused a cut on his lip.”
He also lost a tooth and was bleeding profusely.
The accused then ran off, and the complainer went back to his friends for help, covered in blood.
The police were called and he was taken to Ninewells Hospital, where he received two or three stitches and was told he was going to have permanent scarring.
It turned out he had lost five teeth. He received several more stitches.
Defence agent Bob Bruce said Rankin has been out in Dundee with his friend before he returned to Brechin.
“Apparently the disagreement stemmed from the complainer being due money to Mr Rankin,” he said.
“He had said something like: ‘You’re not getting your £10’ and Mr Rankin saw red and punched him in the face.
“I’m not trying to belittle the incident, but it does not signify a particularly high level of violence.
“He does accept alcohol was a factor and is contrite.”
Rankin admitted a charge of assault to the complainer’s injury on December 16.
Sentencing him to 18 months in prison, Sheriff Kevin Veal said: “Be that as it may, he comes to us with a significant criminal record, with (numerous) convictions and appearances in the past.
“This was an unprovoked attack, and the victim will be forced to live with permanent disfigurement.”
riwatt@thecourier.co.uk