Highland brothers who attacked man for no reason in Inverness city centre learn their fate

BROTHERS who were high on drink and drugs attacked a pedestrian in Inverness city centre in an apparently motiveless assault.

Their victim was left with serious facial injuries and at Inverness Sheriff Court, 21-year-old Shane Williamson and Colin (26), both of Reid Road, Invergordon, admitted assaulting the man to his severe injury on December 16 last year by punching him repeatedly on the head and body.

Both were on bail orders at the time. A passing motorist intervened verbally, Colin Williamson turned round and shouted at him: "Do you want some?"

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The two siblings walked away with one being arrested in Inverness Railway Station and the other a short time later.

The youngest brother was ordered to carry out 240 hours of unpaid community work as an alternative to a prison sentence and remain under social work supervision for two years.

But Sheriff Gary Aitken, who was told by defence solicitor David Patterson that his client had taken alcohol and drugs, imposed a conduct requirement on Williamson. He was banned from taking any alcohol for the duration of the order and must agree to random tests by police.

His brother was jailed for a year, backdated to December 18 when he was remanded in custody.

Defence solicitor Rory Gowans said: "He is realistic enough to know that there is only one sentencing option here. He should not have got his brother involved and he bitterly regrets it."

Sheriff Aitken told him: "You have a poor record, this is an appalling offence and you were subject to four bail orders at the time."