The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Man attacked stranger in a bar
A north-east man has been spared jail for attacking a stranger with a glass in an Aberdeen bar.
Oil and gas worker Daniel Riddell was to head offshore on November 1 last year but had his departure delayed by 24 hours.
He decided to pass the time by drinking in O’Donoghues on Justice Mill Lane, where he got in a confrontation with another patron, Joseph Burns
The 37-year-old waited until his victim turned his head before striking him with a glass.
Police and ambulance were both sent to the scene and Riddell was detained shortly after.
He confessed to the offence during an earlier appearance at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, where he
“His client was making efforts to address a drink problem”
returned yesterday to be sentenced.
Depute Fiscal Vicki Bell told the court Mr Burns had needed treatment for three cuts on his face.
Representing Riddell, defence agent Gregor Kelly said his client was making efforts to address a drink problem.
Sheriff William Summers said he was guilty of a “serious” offence but accepted there was an alternative to jailing him.
He ordered Riddell to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work and pay £1,000 compensation to his victim.