Man punched friend

Assault happened while duo were on a night out

A DUNDEE man who dragged his work colleague away from an altercation with another person ended up being fined for assaulting the same workmate.

Andrew Paton, of Dalkeith Road, admitted that on December 3, in Johnston Street, he assaulted Jordan Colquhoun.

The 24-year-old admitted pulling him by the clothing and punching him on the head and body to his injury.

Fiscal depute Joanne Smith told Dundee Sheriff Court yesterday that Paton and the complainer had been on a work night out.

After leaving a nightclub, Mr Colquhoun became involved in what was described as a minor argument with an unknown male.

The court heard that the accused had intervened and pulled his colleague away from the male before walking away.

She said as they were leaving the scene, the complainer and the accused were still arguing about what had happed and they became involved in a scuffle with each other. Police on foot patrol in the area witnessed the scuffle and saw the accused pulling and grabbing Mr Colquhoun’s clothing and swinging punches at him.

He was arrested and taken to police HQ where he was cautioned and charged and given an undertaking to appear in court.

Solicitor Kevin Hampton said Paton and Mr Colquhoun were friends.

He added that work colleagues have been advised that since the incident there have been “no hard feelings” between the pair.

He said Paton was pulling Mr Colquhoun away from the other man, which the latter took umbrage at.

The court heard that the assault then took place as Paton “had had enough” of his friend’s behaviour.

Mr Hampton added: “He accepts that and is extremely remorseful.”

Sheriff Lorna Drummond told Paton: “You are a first offender and you have a good job and so on this occasion I will impose a fine of £400.”

Paton assaulted a workmate on a night out.