Unprovoked attack on tourist

A thug who chased a Spanish tourist through Stirling before assaulting him in the Smith Art Gallery and Museum has been dealt with at court.

Aiden Karelia, 20, was under the influence of alcohol when he launched a violent and unprovoked attack on his victim by repeatedly punching him on the head and body at the Smith on November 5.

The resident of Stirling Council Homeless Unit, Springkerse Road, was ordered to undertake unpaid community work and spend 12 months under supervision as punishment for his crime when he appeared at the city’s sheriff court this week.

The court heard on Wednesday morning how the tourist was visiting Stirling for the day, with another female tourist, when they saw Karelia and another man on The Back Walk.

Fiscal depute Lindsey Brooks said that there was an exchange of words and, although the complainer was unsure of what was said due to the language barrier, he felt it was aggressive.

The tourists then began to run away from Karelia and were directed to the Smith Art Gallery and Museum by another witness, a 70-year-old man, who was concerned for their safety.

Karelia and another man made off in pursuit of the tourists and, once inside the foyer of The Smith, he grabbed hold of his victim and launched the attack – punching him on the head several times. Ms Brooks said: “Staff in the reception intervened and the accused was pushed out of the door. He then walked off towards the city centre.

“Police arrived at the scene and took the witness through the centre in their vehicle and he pointed out the accused to officers soon after. Karelia made no reply when cautioned and charged.”

Defence solicitor Virgil Crawford said his client had two matters on his record: one from 2013 and another from 2014. Mr Crawford said Karelia was not a regular or persistent offender, adding: “On this occasion he was under the influence of alcohol. There had been some exchange between the witness, himself and his friend.

“I suggest there is some merit in imposing supervision as that would provide some structure to his life. He tells me is actually seeking work but is suitable for unpaid work. I hope that the time has not yet been reached where custody is the only option.”

Sentencing Karelia, Sheriff William Gilchrist said: “You have a relatively short record but your convictions are troubling.

“You have been convicted of being found in possession of a knife, for which you were put on a community payback order and now you’re involved in an unprovoked attack on a tourist. The way things are going you are heading towards prison.”

Karelia has been ordered to undertake 110 hours of unpaid community work in the next six months and spend 12 months under supervision.