'Lose control and you'll be back in Polmont' sheriff warns Inverness teen who threw bike at victim
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A teenager threw a bicycle and unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks on his unconscious victim after he fell out with a fellow resident in Inverness supported accommodation for young people.
The youth, who was 17 years old at the time and could not be named for legal reasons, can now be identified as Ryan MacPhee, now that he has reached the age of 18.
He had previously admitted at Inverness Sheriff Court an assault to injury which occurred on May 9, 2022 at Planefield House, in Montague Row, Inverness.
Sheriff Gary Aitken was told the youth was currently serving a 12-month sentence of detention for another assault and his scheduled release date is December 1.
However the parole board who meet on October 10 could authorise his liberation before then.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir told the court that the teenager repeatedly punched and kicked his victim on the head and body, threw a bicycle at him, then threw him to the ground after "something was said between them".
Mr Weir added: "Paramedics were called but the victim refused to go to the hospital."
Sentence had been deferred for a background report and his lawyer, Eliott Gemmell told Sheriff Aitken that his client was "now more mature".
The solicitor went on: "He has undergone a number of programmes while he has been in custody and has worked with a psychologist to address his triggers.
"The report states that he does not pose a significant risk. When he is released he will have a continuing package of support until the age of 26 and he is welcome back to Planefield House."
Sheriff Aitken sentenced MacPhee to 150 hours of unpaid work and to remain under social work supervision for 18 months.
He told the teenager: "You are at a point where a very substantial custodial sentence will be imposed. You are at a crossroads in your life but you can make something positive out of it.
"But it appears that you have used your time wisely in detention and I will give you a chance. However, if you keep losing control you will find yourself back in Polmont for longer periods."
