A Moray delivery driver who broke his best friend’s nose in a pub fight has been fined.
Dean Reeves, from Elgin, got into an argument about money with Callum McLaughlin while the duo were drinking in a bar with Reeves’ girlfriend Ashleigh Thompson.
Initially the 29-year-old left the Muckle Cross in the town centre at about 11pm on July 6 after becoming frustrated.
He returned about 10 minutes later to check whether his partner would be coming with him.
However, when Miss Thompson decided to stay for another drink the confrontation between buddies Reeves and Mr McLaughlin sparked again.
Fiscal Alex Swain said: “The girlfriend staying for a drink was the catalyst for another argument.
“By this point Mr McLaughlin has risen from his seat and was face-to-face with the accused. He raised his fist and pushed it against the accused’s face – he claims this was with no force.
“However, at this point the accused then proceeds to lean in with his face and he accepts that he has hit him.”
Mr McLaughlin was later taken to Dr Gray’s Hospital by ambulance after suffering a broken nose, which resulted in blood pouring down his face.
Defence solicitor Stephen Carty explained the duo have remained in contact since the pub fight without incident and they remain close friends.
He added: “They have been best friends for a considerable period of time. There was an argument about money being paid and at that point Mr Reeves made the sensible decision to leave.
“He went back only to check if his partner was coming home and unfortunately matters have flared up again.”
Reeves, of Jamieson Drive in Elgin, was fined £500 after pleading guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause fear or alarm by engaging in a fight with Mr McLaughlin, which caused him injury.