Medical report requested...

But prison term might be final outcome

A SHERIFF called for reports on a man with a history of violence, today, but warned him that a jail sentence remained on the cards.Brendon Stevens, 22, was under the influence of drink and valium when he assaulted a soldier outside Mr C's bar in Thurso, on November 22, last year.
The guardsman, Simon Dewit, was out for a family reunion when his group met Stevens and his friends, Wick Sheriff Court was told. Initially, there was some light-hearted banter between the two groups, but the mood changed and the accused began to make offensive comments saying -"Thurso is my town...you should not have invaded it. You don't belong here".
When Mr Dewit asked for an explanation, Stevens punched him once, causing him to fall backwards and strike his head on railings, before landing on the ground. Mr Dewit was unconscious, for a short time and was treated in hospital for cuts and bruises.
Stevens, described as a prisoner at Inverness, appeared from custody and admitted, on indictment, charges of assault and racial harrassment and a record.
Solicitor George Mathers said that the accused wanted to break free from his abuse of alcohol which began at the age of 12. He took valium because "it numbs his mind" but "seems to be the trigger for his aggression and anger".
Sheriff Andrew Berry, called for addiction and psychological reports to establish what help might be available for Stevens whom he said had, on the day in question taken a large amount of drink on top of valium, a combination which the average person wouldn't dream of consuming.
The sheriff, observing that the accused had at least four previous convictions for violence, warned that he might, in the public interest, have to conclude that only a substantial prison sentence would be appropriate.
Stevens was remanded, pending his return to court on April 30, when the sheriff will consider background and a medical report.