Man punched victim outside Thurso club after being racially abused, court told
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An Aberdeenshire apprentice was racially abused before getting into a fight during a night-out in Thurso, a court has been told.
A punch thrown by Bial Ahmed left his victim needing seven stitches to a wound to the side of his face, Wick Sheriff Court heard on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old was fined £300 after he pleaded guilty to assault to injury and permanent disfigurement.
Procurator fiscal David Barclay said the pair, who were strangers, had an altercation outside Top Joe's in the centre of Thurso shortly after midnight on November 20 last year.
He said witnesses told police they heard the man racially abusing Ahmed.
A confrontation ensued during which Ahmed punched the other man several times on the face.
Mr Barclay said: "At the point where it was clear that the accused had got the better of the complainer, he stopped and walked away."
The man, who was bleeding from his face, was taken to hospital and treated for a wound to a cheek. The fiscal said he would be left with a scar, albeit it is expected to fade over time.
He added that Ahmed gave a “no comment” interview to police while the man who was punched was “rather hesitant” to say what had happened to him.
Mr Barclay said the Crown accepts that the racial abuse amounted to provocation.
Solicitor Sylvia Maclennan said Ahmed, a first offender, lives with his parents and works as a telecoms engineer.
He had been at a do in Thurso to mark a friend's departure for Australia.
Sheriff Neil Wilson said that in future, if similarly provoked, Ahmed should not respond but walk away from the situation.
He said: "I rather hope that nothing like this will happen again. I've no doubt whatsoever that this court process hasn't been easy for you."
The sheriff said that given the circumstances, he did not think compensation to the victim was appropriate.
As well as the fine, Ahmed, of Nether Backhill, Ardallie, Mintlaw, has to pay a £20 victim surcharge.
