INVERNESS SHERIFF COURT: Army soldier ordered to pay compensation for homophobic abuse on night out in the Highland capital
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A soldier who used homophobic language towards a fellow night-time reveller in Inverness city centre has been ordered to pay his victim £1000 compensation.
Thomas Howells (19) previously admitted acting in a threatening and abusive manner in the early hours of December 23 last year on the city's High Street.
He has now appeared back at Inverness Sheriff Court where he was told to pay out the money for what Sheriff Gary Aitken described as "appalling behaviour".
Defence agent Rory Gowans said his client was extremely remorseful and had drank too much alcohol when the incident happened.
Mr Gowans added that Howells offered an "unreserved apology" for his actions and bringing the shame of it to his army regiment.
The solicitor said: "He will of course be punished by the army for the situation he has found himself in."
Howells's co-accused Ian Mulroy (19), also assaulted the same man and also appeared for sentencing.
However background reports were not completed despite his efforts to do so with social work services.
The fellow military member is to return to court next month for sentencing.
The court heard previously that the victim had been on a night out with a friend and had gone to Max’s takeaway in the city centre for food after which they encountered Mulroy and Howells on the High Street while looking for a taxi.
After being called homophobic remarks by Howells, Mulroy then punched the man repeatedly to the head, forcing him onto the ground before repeatedly kicking him on the body.
Fiscal depute Karen Poke said: “They came up suddenly and unprovoked.
“Mr Howells forcibly pushed the witness’s chips into his face calling him a f****t and p**f.
“It was at this point, the accused Mulroy had gone on to assault the witness.
“It was a completely unprovoked attack.
“The incident in its entirety was captured on CCTV.”
The court heard the police were called and traced Mulroy, of the city’s Carnac Crescent, and Howells, of Ord Terrace.
Ms Poke said the victim suffered pain to his ribs with a suspected fracture and a burst nose and lip.
The court heard Mulroy is stationed at Wellington Barracks, London, and Howells is at Catterick Barracks in Yorkshire.
Sentencing Howells to the compensation order, Sheriff Aitken said: "I trust in the circumstances you will not find yourself back in court."
Mulroy will find out his fate on December 15.
