Teen headbutted man in pool rules squabble

AScone teenager headbutted another man in a Perth pub after squabbling over the rules of a game of pool.

Lewis Beveridge left his victim injured following the attack at the Sandeman bar on Kinnoull Street.

It came less than three months after the 18-yearold repeatedly struck another man in the city centre.

Beveridge returned to the dock at Perth Sheriff Court to be sentenced after admitting both offences.

Beveridge’s most recent attack took place on January 14 this year.

Fiscal depute Elizabeth Hodgson said: “The locus is The Sandeman bar.

“The witnesses there are friends. They were in the bar, playing pool.”

She explained that one of the pool players and Beveridge began arguing over the rules.

Ms Hodgson added: “Witnesses observed the accused headbutting the complainer to his left temple and striking him to his right forehead.

“The complainer tried to back away and create distance.”

Door staff also tried to diffuse the situation and a bar employee phoned police.

“It was evident to police that the witness was very distressed and he had a small swelling on his left temple, but refused medical intervention,” she added.

Beveridge was traced at 12.30am the following day and told officers: “He hit me first.”

Beveridge also admitted an assault in Perth city centre on November 5, last year.

This attack took place on County Place, near its junction with South Methven Street.

Ms Hodgson explained the victim had known Beveridge for around six months through his partner’s son.

Beveridge approached the man from a pub on South Street shouting: “You come on then.”

The pair exchanged punches but were separated.

However Beveridge went back for more, punching the man on the head and knocking him backwards.

The victim went home and contacted police who were able to watch the incident on CCTV.

Beveridge previously admitted injuring both men by assaulting them.

Sentence was deferred for background reports.

Solicitor Billy Somerville explained his client was a first offender.

Beveridge, of Goshen Road in Scone, was placed on a community payback order.

He will be supervised for a year and must complete drug and alcohol treatment in that time.

Sheriff William Wood said: “Mr Beveridge, this sort of behaviour isn’t to be tolerated.

“You have to understand if you carry on this way, you’ll end up in prison.”

He added: “You can’t go around assaulting people like this and expect to get away with it. It’s important you learn this lesson now.

“Two assaults like these hot on the heels of one another indicate prison is an appropriate disposal.

“If you don’t co-operate with these orders then prison remains an alternative that’s available.”

The sheriff fixed a review on June 28 and told Beveridge he will be adding an unpaid work element once social workers deem him fit.

Lewis Beveridge.