Man jailed for attacking victim twice during street argument

A man who punched someone who was trying to act as peacekeeper during a late-night argument in Dunfermline has been jailed.

Paul Sheerin, 21, of the James Bank Hostel, James Street, Dunfermline, appeared from custody at the town’s sheriff court yesterday.

He admitted that on August 27 at Dunfermline High Street he assaulted Thomas Fairbairn by repeatedly punching him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground to his injury.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said the victim had been having a night out with friends.

At around 2.30am he and friend left a bar and walked up Guildhall Street and were waiting for others in the street.

“He recalls his friend having an argument with the accused,” said Ms Yousaf.

“He intervened and he told the accused to go away.”

Sheerin started shouting at the victim and began punching him. He stopped and left the area when he saw police officers.

However, 10 minutes later he returned and resumed his assault on the victim.

“He fell to the ground and his eye was cut,” added the depute.

The victim required eight stitches and three paper stitches to his eye wound. The incident was caught on CCTV and Sheerin was later detained.

Defence solicitor Stephen Morrison said: “He has an issue with alcohol. He admits he behaved in an idiotic and unacceptable fashion. He was walking by, something was said by a friend of the complainer.

“It’s accepted Mr Fairbairn was trying to keep the peace.”

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “This was a wholly unprovoked and sustained assault.”

He jailed Sheerin for six months.