Art school student leader fined for attacking female employee

The student president of Dundee’s art school has been fined for attacking a female employee during a drunken rampage at a hotel.

Lewis Kennedy punched and kicked a woman at the Apex City Quay Hotel in September as staff tried to eject him from the premises.

The 21-year-old, who is student president for Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, pled guilty to pulling his victim’s hair, repeatedly punching her and kicking her.

He returned for sentencing before Sheriff Derek Reekie following the preparation of social work reports.

Defending solicitor George Donnelly said the report was “one of the best” he had read, adding that he was convinced Kennedy, a first offender, would never appear in the dock again.

The solicitor also attempted to persuade Sheriff Reekie to give Kennedy an absolute discharge, meaning the incident would not be recorded as a criminal conviction.

Mr Donnelly said: “He is not drinking and he apologises unreservedly.”

However, Sheriff Reekie did not believe an absolute discharge was merited and fined Kennedy £400.

He also ordered him to pay £250 in compensation to the victim.

He said: “To punch and kick someone on the head and body, you are extremely fortunate there is no injury.

“I take on board everything I see and read, but I am not persuaded an absolute discharge is appropriate.”

A spokesman for Dundee University said: “We are aware of this issue, which has been dealt with by the courts and will be discussed with the student involved.”