The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Brain injury victim relives attack ordeal
Oil worker knocked down and kicked on head after night out
A Western Isles man who was brutally assaulted by two youths has relived his ordeal after his attackers were fined and one sentenced to community service.
Iain Norman Morrison suffered a ruptured membrane in his head in the May 20 attack at Sandside on Shetland. The 53-yearold needed surgery to stem a leak of brain fluid through his nose.
Last night, hesaidhehad been left “dazed and terrified” by the attack, which happened as he was walking home with a friend after watching a football match in the Welcome Inn pub at Mossbank.
His assailants, Trevor Couper, 19, of Mossbank, and Ryan Williamson, 21, of Sandside, kicked him on the head as he lay on the ground.
His friend was also injured during the attack.
“I should have gone to hospital but I was dazed and terrified”
MrMorrison, from Ness, said his attackers had warnedhimnot to go to the police, but he reported the matter soon afterwards.
“I should have gone to hospital but I was dazed and terrified,” he added. “Nothing like it had ever happened to me. I lived in Glasgow and Edinburgh and in English cities, then this happens to me on an island.”
In the days following the assault, the oil industry health and safety officer noticed a drip constantly appearing on the end of his nose.
Doctors realised it was cerebral spinal fluid and he had to have an operation.
He isnowmaking a good recovery and is back to work and said the incident would not put him off returning to Shetland in future.
Couper was ordered to carry out 160 hours of unpaid work when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court last week.
He was also ordered to pay a total of £575 in compensation to Mr Morrison and other victims he had assaulted in other incidents, as well as being placed under supervision for three years. Co-accused Williamsonwasfined£340 and ordered to pay £100 compensation.