Fife man guilty of nightclub assault

The incident at the Harlem nightclub was a case of mistaken identity, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard.

Appearing in the dock was Ben Sprunt, who launched the unprovoked attack.

Sprunt, 23, of Sycamore Avenue, admitted that on November 22 last year at Harlem nightclub, Bruce Street, Dunfermline, he assaulted Fraser Cowe by punching him on the head to his injury.

He also admitted that he then resisted, obstructed or hindered two police officers by struggling violently with them and lashing out with his arms and legs.

Depute fiscal Claire Bremner said, “The complainer was in the bar area drinking with friends. The accused walked up to him and punched him once on the face.

“This was observed by members of staff. The accused was restrained and taken outside. Police officers were already there taking a statement on another matter.

“They saw the accused being escorted outside. He was struggling and was restrained by the police officers and door staff. He was put in the prone position before being taken to Dunfermline police station.”

The victim sustained a bloodied nose.

Defence solicitor Roshni Joshi said her client “had consumed way too much alcohol”.

“It was a case of mistaken identity and he thought the complainer had assaulted his sister in some way.”

Sprunt, who is unemployed, was put on a restriction of liberty order for four months by Sheriff Craig McSherry.

He had also admitted failing to appear for two previous court hearings and sentence on these were deferred until May 31.