A former soldier lashed out at a man after he made a “disparaging” comment about his wife.
Shaun Winton was on a night out at Elgin City FC Social Club when he got into a brief argument with Robert Mouncher.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard Mr Mouncher had insulted Winton’s wife.
The pair then went outside and again began arguing, resulting in Winton punching him in the face.
Fiscal depute Rowena Carlton said the incident happened at about 10pm on November 3 last year.
She told the court: “Winton punched him Mr Mouncher in the face and then walked away before returning and punching him five or six more times in the head, which was all caught on CCTV.
“The victim had a small cut above his left eye and was left with swelling and bruising but did not receive hospital treatment.”
Winton’s solicitor Stephen Carty said his client accepted he acted inappropriately.
He added: “The complainer made disparaging remarks about Mr Winton’s wife but he admits he acted in an inappropriate manner and wishes to apologise.
“He has spent time in the armed forces, and at this point in his life he was at a low ebb. In these circumstances he had a very short fuse that caused this incident.”
Winton, of Sandstone Avenue, Elgin pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Mouncher to his severe injury.
Sheriff Chris Dickson described it as “nasty assault” and fined Winton £300. He must also pay his victim £350 compensation.