North-east man fined for Christmas Eve headbutt which left victim needing dental treatment

A north-east man has been fined after confessing to carrying out a Christmas Eve pub attack that left a man needing dental work.

Greg Matthew had been out drinking with a friend in the Butcher’s Arms in Inverurie when he became involved in an altercation with David Bruce.

After several attempts to walk away he finally lost his temper with Mr Bruce and headbutted him.

The 41-year-old came across police officers a short time later and admitted having carried out the assault.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard yesterday the officers has told him they would investigate.

They eventually spoke to him several days later at his home on Meadows Walk in Oldmeldrum.

He subsequently pled guilty to carrying out the attack on December 24 last year.

Depute Fiscal Jamie Dunbar said Mr Bruce had sought dental treatment in the days after the incident.

Representing Matthew, defence agent Liam Mcallister said the behaviour was out of character for his client.

He said: “He was out with a friend socialising. He does not consume alcohol regularly and is a family man with three children.

“He tried to removed himself but accepts that this was an overreaction.”

Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill fined him £530.