Man admits assault in Thurso nightclub
A Halkirk man who attacked a nightclub dancer will be sentenced next month.
Darryn Sutherland (36) pleaded guilty to the assault, on a reduced indictment, which took place at Skinandi’s in Thurso, on September 3, last year.
Sheriff Neil Wilson was told at Wick Sheriff Court that the victim, who sustained a serious eye injury, had gone to the dance with his partner.
Grant McLennan said that the man bumped into Sutherland on the dance floor and “words were exchanged.”
The fiscal depute continued: “He and his partner continued dancing and a short time later, Sutherland approached, asking him to ‘clarify aspects’ of the exchanges between them.”
Mr McLennan said that Sutherland then seized the man by the neck and clothing, causing him to fall to the floor and went on: “The accused released his grip and adopted a crouching position above him as he lay on his back on the floor, and punched him in the face.”
Nightclub security staff escorted Sutherland from the nightclub.
Mr McLennan said that at around 3.20am, the victim called an ambulance to his home complaining of “an intense pain” and was taken to Caithness General Hospital with a swollen right eye.
A CT scan revealed a fracture of his “right orbital floor with associated orbital emphysema.” He was discharged but later his injury was subsequently reviewed by a specialist at the Maxillofacial Trauma Clinic in Aberdeen.
Mr McLennan said: “At that time, he was found to have no restrictions on his eye movement, no diplopia and no deformities. He was discharged with no follow-up appointment and subsequently provided an update to police stating that his injuries had healed on their own.”
When cautioned and charged, Sutherland, of Swordale, Halkirk, stated that the incident had arisen as a consequence of remarks made to him immediately before the assault.
Sheriff Wilson called for a background report which he will consider before sentencing Sutherland on October 15. The accused’s bail remains in place.
