Man to receive help after assaulting steward at Private Eyes lap-dancing club in Inverness
An Inverness father-of-two who attended a local lap-dancing club and punched a door steward is to get social work assistance.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that 28-year-old Ryan Hempkin, of St Ninian's Drive, was in Private Eyes, in Inverness's Academy Street, on November 8 when a steward was called to throw him out due to his behaviour.
Fiscal depute Ruraidh Allison said: "He lashed out and punched the steward on the face. A struggle began and both ended up on the floor when he [Hempkin] made an attempt to bite him."
Mr Allison said police were called and while being escorted to the police van, Hempkin made an attempt to bite one of the constables on the upper leg.
"He continued to be unco-operative in Burnett Road Police Station."
Hempkin admitted assault and threatening behaviour.
Defence solicitor Duncan Henderson said his client had been mixing alcohol with his medication for mental health problems.
When Hempkin appeared for sentence today, after a background report had been prepared, Mr Henderson added: "The death of his brother-in-law appears to have been the trigger. He needs help with his emotional regulation and appears to have an underlying alcohol problem associated with this.
"His brother is a police constable and my client is fully aware that his behaviour reflects badly on the rest of his family."
Hempkin will receive help from social workers for the next four months and will re-appear in court on April 28.