An assault victim had to write a note to his partner asking to be taken to hospital because he couldn’t speak.
Stephen McConnell’s jaw had been broken in two places by 28-year-old Darren Robb after leaving his home to investigate a disturbance outside in Merryton Crescent, Nairn.
Inverness Sheriff Court was told that the early morning incident occurred on August 5 last year.
Fiscal depute Ross Carvel said that Mr McConnell tried to get closer to a nearby address after hearing a woman scream.
But Robb, of Penny Lane, Nairn, said: “Just leave them to it, what will happen will happen” and held Mr McConnell’s arm, Mr Carvel added.
He went on: “Mr McConnell then heard his name being said, turned round and Robb punched him on the head. Mr McConnell held his jaw and returned home to write down a request to his partner to take him to A&E as he couldn’t speak.
“He suffered two fractures on the left side of his jaw, was operated on, on August 11 and metal plates were inserted. As a result it is likely he will suffer numbness of his lip and part of his chin which may be permanent. He may also require further surgery. He was unable to eat solids for seven weeks and was off work without income for two months.
“Consequently his finances worsened to the extent that his house was at risk and put a strain on his relationship.
“He has been having mini-flashbacks and sought help for the psychological impact the assault has had on him. The court was told that in response to being charged, Robb, who admitted assaulting Mr McConnell to his severe injury and permanent impairment, he replied: ‘It’s a lie.’
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood warned Robb that custody was at the forefront of his mind for the “unprovoked assault.” But he called for a background report, Robb had bail continued and will return for sentence on June 20.
Defence solicitor Duncan Henderson reserved his comments until then.