Brutal attack at pub left victim needing metal plate in arm

A man has been left without the full use of his wrist for the rest of his life following an assault in Glenrothes.

Kirk Tulleth, 28, of the town’s Ferguson Place, admitted assaulting Steven McCormack at the Phoenix Bar on January 20 to his severe injury and permanent impairment.

Depute fiscal Ronnie Hay told Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court Mr McCormack had been out celebrating his birthday with friends when he went to the bar and came across Tulleth who was also out drinking.

Words were exchanged between the pair and Tulleth punched Mr McCormack on the left side of his head.

The victim tried to run away but lost his footing and fell to the ground as the altercation continued.

Witnesses managed to separate the two but Mr McCormack noticed his left wrist was at “an unusual angle”, the depute fiscal added.

He went to Kirkcaldy’s Victoria Hospital for treatment.

Police were called and officers who spoke to Mr McCormack noticed he had a bloodshot right eye, a swollen nose and his left arm in a sling.

Doctors said he had suffered a fracture of the ulna bone in his forearm and multiple fractures of the radius in his wrist, which required surgery.

A metal plate was inserted and the surgery was deemed successful. However, Mr Hay said Mr McCormack has been advised that he will never have full movement of his wrist again.

Defence solicitor Iain McCafferty said his client was a first offender and worked as a supervisor for a logistics company.

Sentence was deferred.