Man admits assault following early release from prison

A Fife man carried out an attack after being released early from a jail sentence.

Stewart Bernard, 36, of The Barony, East Wemyss, turned on his victim in Dunfermline High Street on July 15.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court and admitted assaulting Michael Stocks by repeatedly punching, kicking and stamping on his body.

Depute fiscal Jane Rennie said the incident happened around 9.30pm on a Saturday night.

She said: “Witnesses known to the accused were hanging about in Dunfermline High Street.

“The accused ran up to Michael Stocks who believed he was going to be assaulted and lashed out, striking the accused on the chest.”

Bernard repeatedly punched Mr Stocks, knocking him to the ground.

The pair got into a struggle on the ground and as Mr Stocks tried to get up, Bernard started kicking him on the chest, knocking him backwards.

Bernard then got up and again kicked his victim on the chest.

The incident was captured on CCTV and an operator contacted the police.

When detained, Bernard said to police: “Why is he not in custody? He is the one that assaulted me.”

Defence solicitor Ian Beatson said Mr Stocks had been acting aggressively and tried to hit his client.

However, he added: “He knows his reaction went well beyond self-defence.”

Bernard was still on licence from a previous jail term, having been given early release, when the attack happened.

Sentence was deferred until December 13 for reports.