HOME CuRFEw FOR CIty CENtRE ASSAuLt MAN

A MAN punched another man twice after he fell to the ground amid a group scuffle.

Liam Smith, 24, of Whitfield Gardens, punched David Valentine during an incident in the city centre’s Cowgate.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard the incident took place at 2.45am as pubs and clubs emptied on June 13 2015.

Fiscal depute Isma Mukhtar said: “The complainer approached police officers and told them he had been victim of an assault. He said he was punched in the face.

“He told them it had happened at Murraygate.

“Officers became aware of a group of males there who were arguing.”

As police made their way towards the group, a female approached them and said she had been assaulted by them.

She also identified them as being responsible for Mr Valentine’s attack.

The fiscal continued: “The group moved to the Cowgate area and a scuffle broke out.

“The accused and the group began to fight with the complainer, who fell to the ground. Two punches were thrown by the accused at the complainer before he ran off along the Cowgate.”

Smith was traced at his home address two weeks later and was arrested. He was later interviewed by police but replied “no comment” to questions put to him.

In court, Smith admitted assaulting Mr Valentine by repeatedly punching him on the head and body at Cowgate on June 13 2015.

Defence solicitor Ann Duffy highlighted the age of the offence.

She also said: “Mr Smith cares for his father who has a number of health difficulties.”

Smith was placed on a three-month restriction of liberty order, confining him to his home address between 7pm and 7am daily.