A man who headbutted a family feud rival in a pub has been ordered to pay his victim £150 in compensation.
Stephen Wilson struck out at the man in the Gordon Highlander pub in Inverurie against a background of issues between the two families.
Despite not being directly involved in the feud themselves, the two men clashed in the bar when the victim snubbed an offer to join Wilson for a drink.
The man made a comment and Wilson, 52, reacted by headbutting him, leaving him bleeding from a gash on his forehead.
‘I’m disgusted with myself’
Fiscal depute Stephanie Cardow told Aberdeen Sheriff Court the incident happened around 5.30pm on March 25.
She said the complainer was returning from ordering at the bar when Wilson invited him to join him and his friend for a drink.
The man did not accept and Wilson “got up and headbutted the complainer, causing him to bleed from his forehead”.
As a result of the injury, the man had to be taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with a two-inch laceration to his head that had to be closed with stitches.
Wilson, of Beech Court, Kemnay, pled guilty to a charge of assault to injury.
Defence agent Lisa Reilly said her client had “had a few drinks”.
‘Your violent reaction was really excessive’
She added: “There were ongoing issues with the complainer for a significant period of time, not in relation to Mr Wilson but other family members.
“The complainer sat at the table next to Mr Wilson. Mr Wilson offered the complainer to come and have a drink with them.
“A comment was made by the complainer at that time and, unfortunately, Mr Wilson reacted in the manner described.
“He regrets his decision.”
Ms Reilly said Wilson’s reply to being cautioned and charged was: “I’m disgusted with myself.”
Sheriff Margaret Hodge told Wilson: “You yourself must be aware that your violent reaction was really excessive.
“When you strike someone on the head, you don’t know what the outcome will be.”
She ordered Wilson to pay his victim £150 in compensation as well as a £270 fine.
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