Metal plate put in face of an Inverness attack victim who was assaulted in an alley between Nelson Street and Madras Street over an unpaid debt in July last year

An Inverness man who was attacked over an unpaid debt had to have a metal plate surgically implanted in his fractured jaw to aid recovery.

However, Inverness Sheriff Court heard that victim Bertie Watson will undergo more surgery due to an infection.

Lee Dyce, described as an Inverness prisoner, pleaded guilty to the assault to severe injury which occurred in an alley between Nelson Street and Madras Street on July 12 last year.

Fiscal depute Martina Eastwood told Sheriff Margaret Neilson: “Mr Watson was returning home when he was approached by Dyce and another man and challenged about a debt owed to the other man.

“Dyce then punched Mr Watson on the face and knocked him to the ground. The victim fled and reported it to police, as did other eye witnesses.

“Mr Watson suffered cuts and bruises, a fractured jaw and damaged teeth. He will require further surgery this week due to infection.”

Defence solicitor Marc Dickson said his 34-year old client had “a poor record, historically as a result of problems with alcohol.

“But he is now addicted to crack cocaine and heroin which is a worrying development. He is receiving medication while in prison.”

Mr Dickson asked Sheriff Margaret Neilson to defer sentence for reports and a drug treatment and testing order assessment.

Sheriff Neilson agreed and Dyce, who was again remanded in custody, will reappear on June 7.