Bunting obscured CCTV

CCTV didn’t help an Oban man accused of being involved in a fight on George Street shortly before Christmas – because bunting was in front of the camera during the incident.

Oban Sheriff Court heard that Ewan MacCorquodale, 27, of Campbell Crescent, met former colleague Mark Penrose in the street and a ‘scuffle’ took place.

Penrose later complained to the police he had been punched on the face. While CCTV cameras caught MacCorquodale crossing the road to approach Mr Penrose on Saturday December 19, the video of the incident itself was obscured.

MacCorquodale said it was in fact Mr Penrose who had tried to punch him. ‘I wouldn’t have classed it as a fight. I didn’t want to inflict any major harm on him [ Mr Penrose].’

However, a witness said MacCorquodale was later bragging about the fight. The accused was overheard in a taxi queue saying: ‘I’ve just hit Mark Penrose.’

Eoin McGinty, procurator fiscal, said: ‘The fact is that Mr Penrose’s account of the events are supported. The accused crossed the street to confront him. Penrose then phoned the police and complained. The accused didn’t phone the police. The accused didn’t seem to be upset.’

Sheriff Ruth Anderson QC said she believed beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Penrose’s version of the evening’s events was correct.

Sheriff Anderson told MacCorquodale: ‘You have four previous convictions, two of which are solemn.’

She fined MacCorquodale £750 to be paid at £25 per week.