Welder broke man's nose in Aviemore attack
A welder broke the nose of a man who tried to help him when he lost his phone in Aviemore.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard Robert Macrae had been drinking when he passed through a railway underpass and met a group of people.
The 25-year-old told the group he had lost his phone, then accused them of stealing it.
Depute fiscal Michelle Molley said Andrew Howe took out his phone and offered to call Macrae’s number to help him find it.
She said: "Without warning he (Macrae) punched him in the face before making off along Grampian Road."
Ms Molley said Mr Howie attended the police station in Aviemore and reported the matter. When he was assessed at Aviemore Health Centre it was confirmed his nose was broken and had to be reset.
The incident occurred at 3am and Macrae, of 57 Cranmore Drive, Smithton was detained at about 6am by police.
Macrae admitted assaulting Mr Howe to his injury by punching him on the head in Grampian Road on July 27, 2014.
Solicitor John MacColl said Macrae was an apprentice welder and his recollection was poor because of the alcohol he had consumed.
Mr MacColl said he had previous convictions but had turned his life around.
Sheriff Eric Brown said he had received a letter in favourable terms from Macrae’s employer and he was prepared to deal with the case by a fine and compensation order.
Macrae was fined £675 on Monday and ordered to pay his victim £500.
