Party gatecrasher who assaulted guest in Wick avoids prison term
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A man who gatecrashed a birthday party in a Wick and assaulted one of the guests has avoided a jail sentence.
Eddie Macgregor was instead ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work while under supervision – as a direct alternative to prison.
Wick Sheriff Court was told on Tuesday that, prior to the police arriving at Harper's Bar, some "summary justice" was administered by "a number of persons".
Macgregor (27) arrived at the party along with his girlfriend late on May 1, last year.
David Barclay said that one of the guests pointed out to the accused that it was a private party and that he should leave because he had not been invited.
The fiscal said that words were exchanged and "matters became heated" between the accused and other guests.
Macgregor punched John Martin, striking him on the top of his head inflicting a small cut above his left eye. Mr Martin declined medical treatment.
Mr Barclay said that the "summary justice" meted out on Macgregor was captured in CCTV footage.
The trouble for the accused didn't end there, for after he was arrested officers found a bag of white powder in his possession. It was found to be 1.05 grams and contained cocaine among other prescription drugs.
Macgregor, of Heatherbell Cottage, John Groats, was taken to Wick police station. While officers were checking on him in the early hours, he spat on Sgt Lee Milner through the cell hatch.
Alex Burn said that Macgregor very much regretted his actions. The solicitor told Sheriff Mark Lindsay KC that he would see from a background report that the accused had had difficulties growing up.
Mr Burn conceded that Macgregor had convictions for violence and, had it not been for these, his present offences would have been prosecuted at summary level as opposed to being on indictment, reserved for more serious crimes.
Macgregor had carried out unpaid work, previously, and had only 24 hours of a 200-hour order imposed for an unrelated offence, to complete.
Mr Burn added: "The author of a background report indicates that supervision with further unpaid work would be the way forward for the accused."
The solicitor said that Macgregor's girlfriend was pregnant and he wanted to be there to support her.
Macgregor admitted assaulting Mr Martin, and Sgt Milner by spitting, and also having been in possession of a Class A drug.
Sheriff Lindsay described the incidents as "a very serious matter" but said it was not necessary for him to impose a custodial sentence.
He told Macgregor: "You have been given a second chance," but warned him that if he didn't take it, he would likely face a prison term.
In addition to the unpaid work imposed, the accused was ordered to pay Mr Martin compensation of £200.
