A Nairn teenager who lashed out at a fellow boy after racist and offensive remarks were directed at him and his mother was admonished yesterday.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Shuhed Hussain and his family were considering returning to Birmingham to be closer to their extended family because of the way they have been treated in the seaside town.
Hussain, of 3 The Moorings, admitted that on February 19 at Nairn Academy he assaulted a 14-year-old boy by repeatedly punching him on the head.
Fiscal depute Stewart MacIver told the court: “There is a background between the accused and the victim, who was sitting on a bench when he was approached by Hussain.
“The victim was asked what he was saying about the accused and before he answered, he was punched on the face. It was captured on the school’s CCTV, reported to staff and the police were informed.”
Defence solicitor Simon Booker-Milburn told the court that his client had been excluded from the school as a result but had managed to sit his exams.
He added: “He was friendly with a girl at school as was the other boy who took exception to it. Comments were passed which became racist in nature and there was a brief lull only for things to get heated again.
“When an offensive comment about his mother was posted on social media, it upset my client greatly. He genuinely regrets what he did and the family are now thinking about moving back to Birmingham.
“He has been advised that if something similar happens, he should go straight to the police.”
Sheriff Margaret Neilson told Hussain: “I hope this whole experience has been a lesson to you. You cannot take matters into your own hands.”