Cullivoe man knocked victim out with single blow because he disliked him

A Yell man pulled his assault victim from the driver’s seat of his van and knocked him unconscious with a single blow to the head.

Euan Henderson, 33, of Gloup, Cullivoe, carried out the attack when the “red mist” came down at a social gathering.

Witnesses said the driver had appeared to be unconscious before he reached the ground, as he did not attempt to break his fall. He re-mained unconscious for around 10 minutes.

The incident happened as a “dislike” between the two simmered. Words had been exchanged between them for most of the evening, and a “niggling” feeling had developed.

The victim then decided to go home. Henderson made a comment as he was leaving, to which the man gave a reply which “put the accused over the edge”.

Henderson’s victim climbed into his van and tried to drive away. But before he could leave Henderson dragged him out and carried out the attack.

The man was taken to hospital the next day, where he went through a number of CT scans. There is a risk he will develop epilepsy, possible memory issues and a speech impediment.

Appearing at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday, Henderson was warned he may face a prison sentence after he admitted causing his victim severe injury and per-manent impairment.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mac-Kenzie told the court the two had known each other since school days, but were not the best of friends.

He said of Henderson: “The red mist came down and he lost it.”

“The complainer was in his van and was trying to drive away, but he stalled it.

“The accused dragged him out of the van and punched him once. It looked as if the complainer was unconscious before he hit the ground.”

He added Henderson was a “large man” who had thrown a “fairly powerful punch”.

“He is capable of throwing a punch with a significant degree of force. Clearly that’s perhaps be-cause of his size rather than any vigour he was using, but it was enough to knock this man out.”

He added the victim had sustained a “very serious injury” indeed, and had the potential to be life threatening. “This is something that will have a lasting impact on the complainer.”

The court heard Henderson co-operated fully with the police and, while being taken to the police station, was happy to say he would tell officers everything they needed to know.

“There is a great deal of remorse on his part that his loss of temper has had such a significant impact on another human being,” Mr Mac-Kenzie added.

Sheriff Philip Mann deferred sentence for background reports to be compiled.

“I’ve not yet heard anything in mitigation, but I have to say to you this is clearly a serious offence and I have to retain in mind all possible disposals, and that could include a custodial sentence.”

The case was adjourned until 29th May.