Schoolboy left scarred after attack

A Perth schoolboy was left scarred for life after a violent and unprovoked attack as he went to a Robert Burns’ball in a city centre hotel.

The youth was with friends as they walked to the event through an underpass leading to the South Inch.

But he was viciously assaulted by a 17-year-old teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

The victim was given first aid at the function but was then taken by ambulance to Perth Royal Infirmary where it was discovered he had a half-centimetre laceration below his left eye, as well as swelling to his cheekbone.

“It required to be glued and will leave a permanent scar,”depute fiscal Robbie Brown told Perth Sheriff Court.

His attacker was given a total of eight months’detention when he appeared for sentence.

The teen admitted repeatedly punching the schoolboy on the head and body, to his injury and permanent disfigurement, at the park on January 26 this year.

He also flouted a 7pm-7am curfew, restricting him to his home, on July 21 this year after he was spotted by police in Perth’s James Street.

Mr Brown said the complainer was part of a group of young men heading to the town centre for the school ball.

As they walked through a tunnel they saw a group of other people, among them the accused.

Comments were made and as the assault victim tried to make off the accused“caught up with him”and repeatedly punched him to the head and body.

“One of the complainer’s friends managed to pull him away,”added the fiscal. The accused then stopped and walked back to his friends.”

The bail breach came to light after the teenager was seen in Perth city centre about 11.20pm.

He made off but was traced in a nearby close.

Solicitor Cliff Culley said alcohol was the“trigger”for what had taken place.

His client had been on remand for two months in connection with the bail breach - the equivalent of a four-month sentence - and had taken that time to “reflect”on his actions.

The accused was willing to adhere to the terms of a Restriction of Liberty Order but Sheriff William Wood told him:“Only a custodial sentence is appropriate.”

He noted that the 17-year-old was subject to four separate bail orders at the time.