One-punch man jailed

A KIRRIEMUIR man whose single punch left a man paralysed and in a wheelchair for life has been jailed for 27 months.

Steven McIntosh previously admitted the life-endangering assault and returned to the dock at Forfar Sheriff Court to be told he had caused the “highest level” of harm despite it being unintended.

McIntosh, of Henry Street in Kirriemuir, pled guilty to assaulting John Garvin on April 29 2022.

He admitted an amended charge of attempting to strike him on the body and punching him on the head, causing him to fall back and strike his head on the pavement.

McIntosh admitted the Bank Street attack left his victim unconscious, severely injured and permanently impaired and put Mr Garvin’s life in danger. Sentencing had been deferred for reports.

A large group of family members watched as McIntosh was locked up.

Solicitor John Boyle said: “In his (McIntosh’s) own words, he has ruined this man’s life and the consequences of that short period of a loss of temper will stay with him for the rest of his life.

“He accepts, of course, that that is a small matter compared to the difficulties Mr Garvin now faces.

“Mr McIntosh’s is the main income for the household. If he loses his liberty today, his employment will fall and that will result in the loss of the family home.

“He appreciates given the injuries, custody is almost inevitable.”

Sheriff Krista Johnston reduced the sentence from 30 months due to the timing of his guilty plea.

She told him: “The resulting injuries far outweigh the nature of the assault but that is the risk faced by every person who throws a punch in anger.

“As a consequence, the harm you caused is of a nature rarely noted in this court.”

CONSEQUENCES: Steven McIntosh put victim in wheelchair for life.