A historic battle triggered a disagreement between two men at a sheltered housing complex in Wick.
It happened when Morris Macleod paid a visit to his former home, Caberfeidh Court.
He got involved in a dispute with resident Alexander Robertson, 50, during a discussion on the Battle of Stalingrad and “things got out of hand”, Wick Sheriff Court heard on Friday.
The ill-feeling spilled over into the following day when the pair met at the complex, again, and they again fell out, this time over a remark alleged to have been made by Mr Macleod.
Robertson, of 9 Caberfeidh Court, admitted abusive behaviour during the second disagreement on New Year’s Day.
He shouted and swore at Mr Macleod.
Robertson was ordered to stay out of trouble for six months.
Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that Mr Macleod was alleged to have been abusive towards Robertson regarding his mother who had been deceased for a number of years.
It upset Robertson, who had “lost his temper”. She said that Robertson deeply regretted his behaviour.
Replying to Sheriff Andrew Berry, Miss Macdonald said she didn’t have any details about the Battle of Stalingrad.
Fiscal David Barclay said: “I believe Russia won, my lord.”