A man was headbutted by a stranger in Union Square after being challenged on why he was wearing a facemask.
The 24-year-old had been sitting between Starbucks and Levi’s when he was approached by Owen Smith and another male.
After a few aggressive comments about the man’s facemask, Smith headbutted him.
The victim then told his mother who tracked Smith, 26, down and discovered he had mistaken him for someone else.
Fiscal depute Alan Townsend told Aberdeen Sheriff Court said the incident happened around 5.20pm on December 22 2021 when the victim was approached by two men he didn’t know.
Mr Townsend said: “One asked him why he was wearing a mask.”
The male called him some “unpleasant words” and added: “Let’s go outside. You’re what’s wrong with the world.”
As the male kept getting closer to him, the complainer put his hands out to keep him away, at which point Smith headbutted him to the bridge of his nose, leaving it bruised.
‘It’s my son you assaulted’
Smith then left, but his victim told his mother, who was shopping nearby, and she immediately set about looking for Smith.
When she found and challenged him, Smith said: “He was kicking me on Union Street.
“I went to school with him, he’s just an a***.”
However, when she asked Smith what the victim’s name was, he replied “Michael”.
She said: “His name’s not Michael. It’s my son you assaulted.”
Smith, of Victoria Street, Buckie, pled guilty to a charge of assault to injury.
Sheriff Lesley Johnston deferred the sentence to allow time for background reports to be prepared.
Defence agent Gregor Kelly reserved mitigation until the sentencing hearing.
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