Soldier headbutted man who came to his girlfriend’s aid

A raging soldier went into action against a Good Samaritan who tried to help his drunk girlfriend.

Corporal John Fay, 33, serving with 3 Scots, the Black Watch, headbutted and punched Robert Murphy for attempting to help his partner Terri to her feet.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard decorated squaddie Fay flipped out after Mr Murphy came to his girlfriend’s aid after she had fallen over after a night out in the town.

Procurator Fiscal Depute Laura Wilcox said: “On the night in question, Fay was in the company of his partner at Wellmeadow Street in Paisley.

“Both were heavily under the influence of alcohol.

“His partner fell to the ground, simply because of the high level of intoxication.

“At this point Robert Murphy was walking past when he observed a female lying on the ground.

“He decided to assist her. “Another witness Mr Milligan was also passing when he stopped to assist.

“Both witnesses made their way over to help, they observed the female had got back on her feet.”

The court heard Fay’s partner was still unsteady on her feet and stumbled again when Mr Murphy helped her.

At this point Fay exploded into violence after misinterpreting the intentions of Mr Murphy.

The prosecutor added: “Fay was unhappy about this.

“Mr Murphy took the accused by the arms and attempted to maintain a distance between them.

“However Fay headbutted him, striking Mr Murphy on the mouth, causing swelling to his face.

“At this point Fay began punching at Mr Murphy.

“Both fell to the ground.

“Fay continued throwing punches as Mr Murphy attempted to defend himself.

“Both men got back to their feet. At this point witness Mr Milligan stepped in to ensure there was no further altercation.”

Police who attended the disturbance arrested Fay, who made no reply to officers.

Fay, of Foxbar Road, Paisley, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting Mr Murphy by headbutting and punching him to his injury on October 20 last year, in Paisley.

Defence agent Bob Mitchell said his client was a serving soldier working in military intelligence with the army.

He said: “He accepts there is no excuse for what he did. He very much regrets what he did.

“There is no explanation for it. He was under the influence of alcohol and he misinterpreted the actions of others.

“He is serving with 3 Scots, Royal Regiment of Scotland, and works in military intelligence.

“He has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and would be in a position to pay a monetary penalty.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney agreed with the lawyer and handed Fay a hefty fine.

He said: “In respect of this offence I will impose a fine of £ 1,000 reduced from £ 1,500 because of your guilty plea at the earliest opportunity.”