A chef who had been drinking after a 12 hour shift was ejected from the Eastgate Shopping Centre because security staff had previously barred him from entering.
But Inverness Sheriff Court was told that 53 year old Kevin McDougall of MacEwan Court, Inverness objected to the decision and claimed he had not been banned from the retail property.
Sheriff David Mackie was told McDougall demanded to speak to the centre manager for confirmation that he was prohibited from the building, which fiscal depute Martina Eastwood said was facilitated.
However the decision was not altered and as McDougall was being escorted out on the afternoon of November 13 last year, he turned round and punched the security man in the face, causing a swollen lip and a cut.
He was then taken to the ground by three members of staff and the police were called.
McDougall admitted the assault to injury.
His solicitor, David Patterson, said: “He had consumed alcohol after a 12 hour shift and there was a dispute over whether he was barred or not.
“I have seen the CCTV and it was not the best of punches. He is right handed and he used his left hand which made contact with the complainer’s mouth. He is ashamed of his conduct.”
Sheriff Mackie fined McDougall £395 and ordered him to pay the security guard £250 in compensation.
Source – Inverness Courier
