'Help not punishment' needed after assault, solicitor tells Wick court

A sheriff has called for a background report on a Sutherland man who admitted an assault.

Sixty-one-year-old Thomas Mackay lashed out at a woman at a house in Grant Street, Wick, causing scratches and bruising to her face.

The assault, on April 13, was said at Wick Sheriff Court to have occurred during a background of "stresses and strains".

Fiscal David Barclay said that Mackay, who was under the influence of drink, repeatedly punched Ms Simpson and was subsequently arrested by police officers.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that there were underlying issues involved and that Mackay, of Kirtomy, Bettyhill, required help rather than punishment.

She commented that the accused had reached the age of 61 "without troubling the court".

Mackay will be sentenced on January 12 after Sheriff Andrew Berry considers the background report.