Royal Marines admit to brawl outside nightclub

A TRIO of Royal Marines have admitted their part in a brawl outside an Angus nightclub in which one of the servicemen had exposed himself on the dancefloor in a “potentially incendiary” act.

Two of the men, who were serving with Arbroath-based 45 Commando at the time, have been fined for their involvement in the October 2018 fight.

The third will be sentenced next month following his guilty plea to disfiguring a bouncer by biting his ear outside DeVito’s nightclub.

Thomas Colclough, 27, of Derby admitted assaulting a man to his injury and permanent disfigurement by punching him and biting him on the ear.

Ben Webster, 32, of Flintshire, pled guilty to struggling with a bouncer and committing an offence of public indecency and Leon Salter, 29, from Hull, admitted a charge of assault.

A fourth accused, Jack Teare, 22, of Epsom, had a not guilty plea to an assault charge accepted.

Depute fiscal Laura McGillvery told the court a club steward was alerted to an incident on the dancefloor just before 2am, which led to Salter being removed from the premises by two bouncers.

Webster’s indecent exposure was described by his solicitor as a “stupid” offence.

Sheriff Gregor Murray said it was “potentially incendiary in a public nightclub” and fined Webster £750.

Fining Salter £500, the sheriff said: “Your record shows that when drink has been taken you can’t stop yourself getting involved in violent incidents.”

Colclough will return to court for sentencing on September 19 following the preparation of a background report.