An “animal lover” violently attacked a man at a party when he told him he’d killed a dog, a court has been told.
Adam Martin, 25, repeatedly headbutted and punched Sean Thain to the head and body after he informed party guests that his actions had caused the death of a six-month-old husky puppy.
However, Mr Thain’s claim turned out to be inaccurate.
He “choke-slammed” the puppy onto a tiled kitchen floor in 2015 but did not kill it.
The husky later died of meningitis but it was stated this was “in no way connected” to the incident involving Mr Thain.
Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard Mr Thain was left with permanent scarring after Martin’s attack left him with 10 stitches to the inside and outside of his mouth.
Fiscal depute Andrew McMann told the court that Martin and his victim had been drinking together at a house on Cairngrassie Circle, Portlethen, on October 15 last year.
“During the course of the night, the accused received a telephone call from another person which appeared to aggravate him,” he said.
“As the complainer was standing beside a sofa the accused began to be aggressive towards him.
“An argument took place and the accused then headbutted the complainer who lost his balance and fell down.”
As Mr Thain attempted to cover his face, Martin rained down repeated blows on his face.
Mr McMann said that as Mr Thain got up and tried to walk away but Martin continued to punch him in the face “multiple times”.
Martin, who has one previous assault conviction, pleaded guilty to one charge of assault by headbutting and punching Mr Thain to his injury.
Lawyer claims victim was ‘boasting’ about killing a dog
Defence agent Christopher Maitland told the court that his client’s behaviour was in reaction to the complainer telling people he’d killed a dog.
“This was something he was boasting about,” Mr Maitland said.
“Mr Martin is an animal lover and took great umbrage to this – he’d been drinking and lost control.
“It’s very unfortunate that he acted in this way but he feels remorseful about it and has taken responsibility for his actions.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller told Martin: “I note that you have a previous conviction for assault but that was six and a half years ago.
“You have pled guilty at the first opportunity and I think the best thing all round to draw a line under this is to impose a fine.”
Sheriff Andrew Miller fined Martin, of Duffshill Way, Portlethen, a total of £320.
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