Two young teenagers got so drunk they could not remember attacking a man for saying “hello” to them at a train station.
Alexander Grant, 16, and Ross Murdoch, 17, had been drinking at a friend’s house in Keith in May last year on the night of Clachnacuddin’s Highland League Cup final win over Buckie Thistle at Kynoch Park.
John Fleming, who was 41 at the time, had been at the game with fellow supporters – and was viciously assaulted as he waited for the last train back to Aberdeen.
Fiscal Alison Wylie told Elgin Sheriff Court that the unprovoked attack took place in the waiting room of the station, where Grant and Murdoch had gathered with at least two friends.
She said: “Mr Fleming and his group were meeting up to get the 10.34pm train back to Aberdeen.
“Mr Fleming heard noises in the waiting room.
“Mr Fleming’s recollection is he said ‘hello’ to the group and one of the group may have called him a paedophile. He was then attacked.”
The court heard that Grant, of 5 Gisborne Court, Elgin, landed the first blow before more punches and kicks “rained in”.
The incident spilled on to the platform, where Murdoch, of the Royal Hotel, Forres, landed a further punch.
Mr Fleming was later taken to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and was in hospital for 10 days.
He needed metal plates and screws in his head after sustaining a triple fracture to his right cheek bone. Doctors have said he may never get full sensation back in his face.
Three bottles of vodka and beer were among the drinks consumed by Grant, Murdoch and their friends.
The two admitted the brutal assault, but told police they “couldn’t remember anything other than the man saying, ‘hello'”.
Sheriff James Hendry said: “What this seems to be is an incredible of eruption of violence to someone who had been of no harm whatsoever. This is the sort of behaviour that can lead to someone’s death.
“I take into account you are both young. My starting point in this matter is a custodial sentence. I will in this case provide you with an alternative – that is a community payback order.”
Grant and Murdoch were ordered to pay Mr Fleming £400 compensation each and both have 12 months to complete 150 hours of unpaid work.