A 42-year-old Alness man who threw a pan of hot water at a fellow resident of a homeless hostel will be sentenced next month.
At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, William Arkinson, now of 16 Market Square, Alness pleaded guilty, on indictment, to assaulting travelling musician Julian Bjorn to his injury on November 14 last year in the Highlander Hostel, Inverness.
Sheriff Jamie Gilchrist QC was told that the pair had been playing pool before arguing about the kitchen being left untidy.
CCTV cameras recorded the dispute but also captured footage of the assault.
Fiscal depute Roderick Urquhart said Arkinson could be seen coming into the kitchen where Mr Bjorn was working.
“He threw a pool ball in his direction. Then he came in again, threw another pool ball and grabbed a pan of water which was on the cooker and threw the contents at Mr Bjorn.
“He tried to protect his face by holding up a chopping board but some of the hot water hit him on the forehead.
“He was taken by ambulance to Raigmore Hospital where he was treated for scalding to his head which left some blistering.
“Witnesses described Arkinson as having ‘lost it’ and ‘out of control’.”
Defence lawyer Neil Wilson asked for sentence be deferred for background reports. Arkinson will return to court on December 4.