Ex-soldier hit neighbour in row over cash

A Bannockburn man who punched a neighbour on the head in an argument about money was last week fined £250.

Colin Clark, of Murrayfield Terrace, pleaded guilty to assaulting James Malcolmson to his injury and permanent disfigurement.

Fiscal depute Ashley Smith told Stirling Sheriff Court Malcolmson had gone to speak to Clark about 5.45pm on January 28 this year.

The complainer’s intention, she said, had been to inquire about money Clark owed to him.

After speaking to Clark for a short time Malcolmson told him: ‘If you don’t have money to pay me I’m cutting all ties with you.’

Malcolmson then walked down the garden path towards the road when he heard the sound of footsteps behind him. He saw Clark running towards him. Clark punched him to the side of the head which caused him to fall to the ground, said the fiscal depute.

Malcolmson got up to his feet and Clark left the locus. A witness contacted police and the ambulance service.

Malcolmson was examined for a variety of injuries to his head. It was thought he had struck a hard flat surface, most likely the ground.

Ms Smith pointed out that he had a ragged 2.5cm cut to his forehead which required nine stitches which would result in a permanent scar.

When Clark was cautioned and charged he replied ‘guilty.’

Clark’s agent Virgil Crawford told Sheriff William Gilchrist that Malcolmson had been under the influence of alcohol and had been challenging Clark about the money he was owed.

He pointed his finger into Mr Clark’s face, said the lawyer, and had called him a ‘scumbag.’

Mr Crawford said Clark had no previous convictions and there was nothing outstanding in the courts.

Clark had been in the Army and was thereafter employed.

However, he began drinking too much and “lost everything.”

Forty-seven-year-old Clark however was now in a relationship. The solicitor also said he was currently on benefits and could pay a fine.

Mr Crawford said he did not think custody was a consideration, although unpaid work would be suitable.

Passing sentence, Sheriff Gilchrist told Clark that while Malcolmson had come into his home uninvited that day, he should not have reacted by punching him. He fined Clark £250 payable at a rate of £10 per fortnight.