Punching neighbour and hurling racist abuse costs teenager £200

A Fife teenager, who punched his 30-year-old neighbour and vandalised his car in a racist incident, has been ordered to pay £200 in compensation.

Christopher Roberts, 18, of Rosewell Drive, Lochore, previously admitted that on June 23 at Rosewell Drive he assaulted Qasim Ather by punching him on the face.

He also admitted vandalising a car by kicking and punching its wing mirrors and acting in a racially aggravated manner to Mr Ather by shouting racist abuse at him.

Depute fiscal Jade Doig told Dunfermline Sheriff Court Mr Ather had gone outside after hearing a commotion in the street.

He saw Roberts punch the wing mirror of Mr Ather’s car, smashing it and cutting his hand.

Mr Ather shouted at him, asking him what he was doing. Roberts apologised and said he would pay for the damage.

However, the conversation became heated and after hurling racist abuse, the accused punched the victim in the face. He then kicked the other wing mirror of the same car before running off.

When detained by the police, Roberts said: “I’m more sorry for being racist than anything else.”

Defence solicitor Linsey Magro said Roberts had been drinking and could not remember anything.

Sheriff Derek Reekie also imposed 160 hours of unpaid work.