Man admits using glass in bar assault
A man has admitted hitting his assault victim on the head with a glass during a night out in a Lerwick pub.
Graham Maconnachie, 43, whose address was given as Glasgow’s Craigbo Court, overreacted when he was offended by comments made by the man during some bar-room banter.
He acted in “the heat of the moment”, leaving his victim with a cut to the left hand side of his face.
Maconnachie admitted the assault to injury at the Thule Bar in Lerwick on 6th July last year when he appeared in the dock today.
The case was originally laid down for trial by jury. But Maconnachie pleaded guilty to a reduced plea.
Procurator fiscal Duncan MacKenzie said it was a “classic case of when the drink is in the wit is out”.
The court heard Maconnachie had been in the pub, where he had gone with his partner for a night out, and met his victim.
Banter started between the two, but it began to deteriorate. Mr MacKenzie said it was “accepted” the complainer made comments which were offensive and verbally aggressive.
But Maconnachie’s spontaneous reaction was a “gross overreaction”.
His victim was taken to hospital, but was first able to provide police with a statement. He discharged himself that night.
Defence agent Keith Tuck said Maconnachie accepted he had overreacted.
He said his client had been “looking for a quiet evening” when he went to the bar with his girlfriend, who is now his wife.
Maconnachie’s victim was there with a number of his male colleagues.
Drink, he said, had been taken on all sides.
“He had been drinking, had a glass in his hand and accepts he over-reacted.”
Mr Tuck said Maconnachie had been “ashamed and concerned” by the incident.
Sheriff Philip Mann adjourned the case for background reports to be compiled.
He told Maconnachie: “This is a serious matter because of the fact you used a glass and it caused injury. The use of a glass in heated circumstances when drink has been taken can so easily result in catastrophic circumstances.”
Maconnachie was released on bail until 24th June.
