Fined for assault

Single punch costs accused a £200 fine

A CONSTRUCTION worker has been fined £200 for an assault outside a Wick pub.

Appearing from custody, Romanian Mihaidumitru Rotariu, 22, pleaded guilty through an interpreter when he appeared from custody, at Wick Sheriff Court today. A warrant had been issued for the accused due to difficulties in serving the charge on him.

The incident took place in the early hours of August 15, last year, outside the Silver Darlings at The Shore, Wick.

It was said to have followed "a misunderstanding" between Rotariu and a group of people who had come outside to smoke, during which the construction worker lashed out at one of them, 22-year-old Ewan Simpson, striking him a single blow on the head.

Solicitor Fiona MacDonald said that the assault took place, after the accused saw two of the group coming towards him. Rotariu, a first offender, of 5 Great Northern Road, Aberdeen, became concerned, as a foreign national and hit out at one of them, she added.