Attack on OAP outside Alyth shop

A Perthshire pensioner was repeatedly attacked by a teenage thug after being challenged outside a local shop.

Sixty-five-year-old Allan Fleming was initially punched and kicked by 19-year-old Ross Adams.

The OAP fell to the ground, scattering the groceries he had been carrying, Perth Sheriff Court was told.

But as he picked them up and got back to his feet, the cowardly accused aimed more punches and kicks at him - and again he collapsed.

“The complainer got back to his feet again and gathered his goods before being punched, kicked and knocked to the ground by the accused for a third time,”stated depute fiscal Matthew Kerr.

The violent confrontation only ended when a friend of the accused pulled him away.

Adams, of Morrison Terrace, Alyth, then“walked off in the opposite direction to the complainer.”

The incident was captured on CCTV and the accused was later traced.

He reported to Blairgowrie Police Station almost a week later in response to a message which had been left for him.

The accused will discover his fate on January 13 after a background report has been prepared.

Sheriff Neil Bowie noted that although no injuries had been sustained by the pensioner, he wanted more information on the accused in the aftermath of what was a“concerning” assault.

Groundworker Adams admitted that on July 3, 2020, at Commercial Street, Alyth, he assaulted Mr Fleming by repeatedly punching him on the head and body, repeatedly kicking him on the body - and repeatedly knocking him to the ground.

Mr Kerr said the OAP and a friend had gone to the shops shortly before 9pm and were outside having a smoke after buying their groceries.

As the accused left the shop, he shouted a comment to which the complainer replied:“Don’t you talk to me.”

Adams then suggested they should resolve matters“right now.”

The complainer replied:“No we won’t,”but the accused then began the attack.

Solicitor Paul Ralph said the accused had been drinking with a friend and believed there had been an argument in the pub with the victim earlier.

Adams would be willing to pay a fine and compensation.

But Sheriff Bowie called for a Community Justice Social Work report to consider all the sentencing options available to him.

The accused admitted one previous conviction which resulted in him being fined £600 at the Perth court in June 2019, for behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.