A drunk man standing in the middle of a busy city centre street with his top off bit the ear of a good Samaritan who tried to move him to safety.
Alexander Stewart viciously turned on the passerby, ripping his ear and causing a permanent scar, Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard.
The 45-year-old had been drinking in Aberdeen with co-accused Jolene Stewart, 37, on New Year’s Day when he wandered into the middle of Market Street as traffic passed in both directions.
Jolene Stewart then joined the attack, punching the man in the face.
Accused bit victim’s ear
Fiscal depute David Rogers told the court that two men were out watching football on January 1 last year when they came upon Stewart in the middle of the road with his top off.
“As one witness tried to remove the accused from the road. Mr Stewart told him he was having a hard time as it was the anniversary of a family member’s death,” Mr Rogers said.
“The witness placed his arm around him and without warning the accused became aggressive and violently bit him to the ear causing a tear.”
As a result of this, the man then punched Stewart in retaliation and both men ended up on the ground.
Jolene Stewart then became involved by kicking and punching the man as he lay on the ground.
As the police arrived and arrested the Stewarts, Jolene kicked a female officer to the head as she tried to restrain her.
The pair’s victim was taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary where his wound was taped shut but he will be left with a scar.
Alexander Stewart pleaded guilty to one charge of assault, while Jolene Stewart admitted two charges of assault.
‘She is extremely embarrassed’
John Hardie, defence agent for Alexander Stewart, told the court his client was “profoundly sorry” for his actions that day.
He added: “He has no recollection of these events and was unexpectedly intoxicated – he thought he might’ve been spiked.
“However, he realised it might have been the alcohol mixing with the medication he was on – but he knows that’s no excuse.”
Jolene Stewart’s solicitor, Lisa Reilly, told the court that her client was also under the influence at the time of the assault adding that she takes “full responsibility”.
“She knows that does not excuse her actions and she is extremely embarrassed,” Ms Reilly said.
Sheriff Margaret Hodge sentenced Alexander Stewart, of Old Gamrie Road, Macduff, to a community payback order with supervision for 12 months.
She also gave Jolene Stewart, of Victoria Road, Aberdeen, six months to be of good behaviour.
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