A Forres man has admitted launching a brutal assault against his victim which left the latter needing two operations on his cheekbone.
Christopher Johnstone, of Burdshaugh, repeatedly kicked and punched John Rollo during the attack on May 27 last year.
Yesterday, the 48-year-old pleaded guilty at Elgin Sheriff Court.
Fiscal, Ross Carvel, described Johnstone punching Mr Rollo, which caused him to fall on the road in Forres High Street shortly before 1am.
After briefly regaining his balance, the victim then fell to the ground once again.
Mr Carvel said: “The accused then got in a vehicle and was driven away. He returned a short time later with a group of males.
“The complainer was punched and kicked on the body and a further two males committed a further assault.”
Witnesses reported that Mr Rollo struggled to walk away from the incident.
The victim was taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital for several cuts and bruises and a fractured cheekbone.
An initial operation to move the bone back into the correct place is expected to leave a scar.
Defence solicitor Matthew O’Neill said the incident was “clearly a very serious matter”.
Johnstone admitted assaulting Mr Rollo to his severe injury and permanent impairment.
Sentence was deferred until October 12 for background reports to be prepared.