Bar owner assaulted by same man twice in 10 minutes

A man who left his car to launch a second attack on a publican minutes after being thrown out of his pub has been warned he could be jailed.

Lee Hogg had lashed out at Forfar’s Thistle Bar owner Brian Cowie after a bust up with tea-time drinkers in the East High Street pub on August 19.

The 27-year-old was dragged away by a friend but, 10 minutes later, returned to assault Mr Cowie again.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond told Forfar Sheriff Court that Hogg went into the pub shortly before 5.30pm, began drinking, and was told to leave 10 minutes later for arguing.

He refused to leave and pushed the owner on the body and attempted to punch him before being dragged outside by a friend.

The fiscal said: “At 5.50 the owner saw the accused in the passenger seat of a passing car. He got out of the vehicle and pushed Mr Cowie to the body, causing him to go through the door of the locus before falling to the ground.

“As the victim got to his feet he was punched to the head before the accused was restrained.”

Hogg was arrested but delivered a barrage of abusive comments to police in the car and at Dundee HQ.

Hogg, of Muir Street, Forfar admitted assaulting Mr Cowie and behaving in a threatening manner.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown said: “The nature of the offence is such that a custodial sentence is an option.

“You are currently on a community payback order.

“If you engage with that I will have an alternative to custody available, so it is up to you.”

Hogg will return to court for sentencing on December 16.