Multiple punches chip community payback supervisor's tooth in 'unprovoked' Inverness attack
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A community payback supervisor was attacked by one of his clients who had been drinking when the social worker arrived to pick him up.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Neil Macdonald, of Merkinch Place, Inverness arrived at the pick-up point on February 15, 2021 and the social worker was sure that the 33-year-old was intoxicated.
Fiscal depute Victoria Silver told Sheriff Gary Aitken that Macdonald was asked to go away but became angry.
"The supervisor tried to shut the door of his van but was punched several times to the face," she said. "His tooth was chipped and his glasses fell off. Witnesses described it as an unprovoked attack."
Defending, Duncan Henderson told the court: "My client accepts that the court will take a serious view of this. He was breached for this order and jailed.
"Since his release he has settled down and has a baby on the way."
But Sheriff Aitken decided that Macdonald should be jailed again and imposed a sentence of six months.
He said: "The custodial sentence was as a direct result of your non-compliance with the community payback order. Repeatedly punching a community justice social worker is a separate offence and one which the court treats very seriously.
"Given the gravity of the offence, only a custodial sentence is appropriate."
