Man attacked his ‘best pal’

Pensioner had violent past

A Perth man who has High Court convictions for serious assault attacked his “best friend” during a drink-fuelled row in a city centre pub.

Perth Sheriff Court was told 69-yearold Robert Mullen threw liquid in Denis McAskill’s face as they argued in the Sandeman Bar.

He then punched the victim on the nose, drawing blood, according to depute fiscal Michael Sweeney.

The pair had been friendly for about 20 years, met up “almost daily and enjoyed each other’s company,” solicitor Linda Clark explained.

Mr McAskill had recently passed away and the accused had “paid his respects” to his long-time friend at the funeral last week.

There was no indication his death, which happened suddenly in Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital on April 20, was connected with the bar incident in any way.

Mullen, of Strathyre Avenue, admitted an amended charge of assault which took place in the Kinnoull Street premises on January 15 last year.

Part of the charge which alleged Mr McAskill had been punched on the head and knocked to the floor was deleted.

Mr Sweeney said the accused and his friend had gone to the pub together about 11am and had been drinking “throughout the day.”

They were joined by three other people but about 4.45pm an argument broke out.

At that point, Mullen threw a glass of liquid towards his friend.

“The argument continued and the accused then punched Mr McAskill on the nose.”

A member of staff called the police and Mullen was traced, still inside the bar.

Mrs Clark said both men had been drinking and a row developed between Mr McAskill and his girlfriend who had arrived.

Mullen had persuaded his friend to leave but when they returned to the pub the argument resumed.

The accused then told his friend to “pipe down” and an argument ensued, which escalated. “He then behaved in the manner described,” added the lawyer.

She pointed out her client’s last crime of violence had been at district court level in 2003.

However, the accused’s previous convictions revealed he had been handed a 10-year jail term at Glasgow High Court in January, 1975, for assault to severe injury and danger of life.

He had also been given three years behind bars at Dundee High Court in January, 1991, for assault to severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Sheriff James MacDonald imposed a £135 fine on the pensioner, payable at £10 a week.

Mr McAskill’s funeral took place at Perth Crematorium on May 17.

The pair had been friendly for about 20 years