Highland League footballer jailed after sucker punch attack outside lapdancing club

A Highland League footballer was jailed for 16 months today after attacking a man outside an Inverness lapdancing club and leaving him permanently disfigured.

Lossiemouth FC centre-back Dean Stewart was caught on CCTV punching his victim in the face – just seconds after the two had shared a handshake and embraced.

Police issued images from the footage after the November 10, 2019 assault in a successful attempt to identify the 24-year-old.

Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Stewart and his victim appeared to have agreed a truce following a 3am “exchange of words” outside Private Eyes in Academy Street.

The surprise attack caused multiple facial fractures that required surgery, leaving the victim permanently disfigured.

Stewart – who has scored six goals for Lossiemouth this season – had previously admitted a single charge of assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.

Surprise attack

Fiscal depute Susan Love told the court that the accused and his victim, along with two other males, were seen leaving the club and that the pair appeared to settle their differences in the moments before the attack.

“The accused then raises his hand to offer a high five or handshake, the complainer accepts, they embrace slightly,” said Miss Love.

However, immediately afterwards, Stewart, of Logan Court, Elgin, lashed out at his victim.

“The accused then punched the complainer once to the face, the complainer evidently not expecting it and having no time to defend himself,” Miss Love told the court.

The court heard that the man was taken to Raigmore Hospital with multiple facial fractures to the right side of his face affecting his cheek, eye and nose.

The injuries required surgery where titanium plates and screws were inserted.

The victim was left with a drooping right eye, scarring inside his mouth and nerve pain.

‘Four previous convictions for assault’

Stewart last played for Lossiemouth FC in their final game of the season against Brechin City on April 16.

Defence solicitor Scott McQuire said: “My client has stopped drinking alcohol since these events.

“He is a semi-professional footballer and also does coaching. He accepts he should have walked away. He reacted to a threat.”

Sheriff Sara Matheson told Stewart: “There is no getting away from the fact that you have four previous convictions for assault and your victim suffered multiple fractures.”