Identity error proves costly

Nov 25 2008

A CASE of mistaken identity led to a punch-up in an Indian take-away in the Letham area of the city in the early hours of the morning.

And it cost Kevin McCole (37), of Newhouse Road, Perth, a £600 fine when he appeared in the dock at the Sheriff Court.

He was also ordered to pay £100 compensation to Steven Morrison after the attack on November 2.

He pled guilty to taking hold of Mr Morrison in the Bilal Palace in Rannoch Road, ripping his shirt and repeatedly punching him on the head and body.

A not guilty plea to a second charge of committing a breach of the peace by shouting and swearing – and calling him a pervert and a beast – was accepted by the prosecution.

Depute fiscal Janine Bates said that the complainer and three friends were in the take-away at 12.25 on Sunday morning when the accused came in to get a meal.

When he saw Mr Morrison he became “agitated” and seemed to think he was someone else.

He grabbed him by the shirt, ripped it open and repeatedly threw punches at him,” added Ms Bates.

Two of the victim’s friends and a member of staff intervened and the accused left.

But the incident was captured on CCTV and the police were alerted.

Solicitor Billy Somerville said that there was no indication of any injury to Mr Morrison.

The accused had been drinking and had mistaken him for somebody else.