Pub attack: Thug gets unpaid work

A THUG who battered a homeless man in a Dundee city centre pub has been spared jail.

Frank Greenwood was standing up for a barmaid in the Abode Bar on St Andrews Street before he was attacked by 36-year-old Martin Robertson.

Robertson floored Mr Greenwood, 55, with a punch before continuing to hit him on the face and stamp on his body.

Fiscal depute Joanne Smith previously told Dundee Sheriff Court that Mr Greenwood – who was living in a homeless hostel at the time – and another friend were in the pub when Robertson entered at around 8pm on December 21.

The court heard that the incident happened after Robertson had shouted at the barmaid when she asked him for ID.

Ms Smith said: “The accused approached the bar and attempted to purchase alcohol but staff were unsure of the age of the accused’s associate and asked them both for ID.

“The accused became agitated and began shouting at the barmaid and the complainer intervened, saying that she was only doing her job.”

Robertson and Mr Greenwood got into an argument. The fiscal added: “The accused struck the complainer on the face and punched his head, knocking the complainer to the floor.

“The accused then repeatedly punched the complainer on the face and stamped on his body.”

The emergency services were contacted and Mr Greenwood was taken to Ninewells Hospital with bruises, swelling and cuts.

Solicitor Richard Gray said that Robertson’s recollection of events was hazy.

Robertson, of Craighead Road, Newport, returned to the dock following the preparation of social work reports.

Sheriff Lorna Drummond ordered him to carry out 130 hours of unpaid work, as well as placing him under supervision for 18 months.

Abode Bar