Victim left blood-splattered after brutal attack

The blood-splattered victim was not even sure who his attacker was, Dunfermline Sheriff Court heard.

David Barnes (27) of Ednam Drive, Glenrothes, previously admitted that on April 15 or 16 at Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, he assaulted Paul Spours by repeatedly punching and striking him on the head to his injury.

His cousin Davina Barnes (47) had also appeared in the dock on that occasion but her ‘not guilty’ plea to the same charge was accepted by the Crown.

David Barnes also admitted that on December 3 at Asda, Queensgate, Glenrothes, he stole a quantity of electrical goods, grocery and household items valued at £298.10.

Depute fiscal Susan Lumsden previously told the court that Barnes committed the assault on his cousin’s partner after she contacted him when she had been drinking.

This led to Barnes travelling to Spours’ home and attacking him.

The victim was found bleeding heavily from his head and face and said he had been attacked by his partner and David Barnes.

The assault took place in a bedroom and there was blood splattered over walls, a mirror and bedding, said the depute.

The victim was taken to Victoria Hospital where he was found to have a 5cm cut to his left eye, which required stitches. He also sustained a 10cm cut to his head which required staples.

When police traced Barnes in Glenrothes he initially told officers he had nothing to do with the assault.

He later admitted being involved but claimed he had been punched first. He also admitted that the victim did not know who he was.

Sheriff Charles MacNair said: “This could be described as a revenge attack or vigilante attack.”

He told Barnes: “We have a system of justice in this country and revenge attacks are quite contrary to that idea of justice.”

He added:“If somebody has an issue there are systems to deal with them. What you did is wholly unlawful and criminal.”

He imposed a community payback with 18 months’ supervision and 210 hours of unpaid work. Barnes was also ordered to pay £500 compensation.

For the shoplifting offence, Barnes was a put on a four-month restriction of liberty order.