A north-east landlord who tried to force tenants out of his home has admitted punching one of them in the face.
Martyn Neale wanted to move into Braeview Cottage, New Aberdour, earlier this year as he went through a financial crisis and had approached its then occupants – Andrew Scott and his daughter – on April 1.
After a discussion, Neale grabbed Mr Scott around the neck while he sat in his car and punched him in the face.
The 49-year-old, who now lives on a static caravan near the cottage, admitted the assault when he appeared at Peterhead Sheriff Court yesterday.
Fiscal Depute Lixia Sun told the court that the incident took place at about 12.30pm.
“The accused opened the off-side door of the car, grabbed him by the neck on his jumper and punched him on the face with his fist causing his nose to swell,” she said.
“As a result of being assaulted by the accused, Mr Scott sustained bleeding of his nose but required no medical attention.”
Neale was handed a 50-hour community payback order by Sheriff Andrew Miller.
He described Neale’s actions on the afternoon of April 1 as “unacceptable” and warned him that he could find himself back in the dock if he failed to abide by the court’s ruling.
Sheriff Miller said: “Your tenant was within his rights to still be living there and you took matters into your own hands in a completely unacceptable manner.
“If you fail to comply with the order, you will be reported back to the court.”
Neale’s defence agent, Sam Milligan, revealed his client had since lost the house to a lender following the attack.
He said: “At that stage, Mr Neale was going through financial problems that led him to wanting to move back into his property.
“I would suggest it is unlikely there will be any repetition of this behaviour.”