Fined £350 for punch to head

Twenty-six-year-old David Robertson admitted punching Steven McCudden on the head, resulting in him falling to the ground and striking his head, all to his injury.

The incident happened in Channel Street, Galashiels, on September 17.

Procurator fiscal Graham Fraser explained to the court that the carpet fitter, of King Street, Galashiels, already had a previous conviction for assault to injury from 2010, in which he received a substantial period of community service.

He told the court: “The incident was caught on video and shows a confrontation between two groups of youths.

“Mr Robertson lashes out with a haymaker at Mr McCudden, who is left flat out on the street.

“It takes a while for him to get up and he is at least dazed. He had to be picked up and assisted by his friends.

“He suffered a cut lip and was referred for plastic surgery, but it was not required in the end.”

Defence lawyer Mat Patrick said there had been an obvious reduction in his client’s offending.

He said Robertson and a friend had been on a night out when they came across the other group and “there was some kind of verbal disagreement”.

Mr Patrick continued: “He accepts his reaction was wholly inappropriate.

“He is not a heavy drinker, but he did consume alcohol that night.”