Teen placed on probation for assault

Jul 15 2010 by Alistair Watson, West Lothian Courier

A TEENAGER who assaulted a man on a busy Armadale street has been placed on probation.

Andrew Simpson struck the man on the head after the victim tried to stop the 19-year-old and co-accused Jason Watson, who were chasing the victim’s brother.

Fiscal depute Katie McNair said the offence took place shortly after 7.30pm on December 17 last year.

“A number of youths were standing on Mayfield Drive talking,” Ms McNair said.

“The accused Jason Watson began to argue with one of them.

“The youth ran off in the direction of South Street closely followed by both accused. The accused, Watson, was brandishing a pole.

“The youth’s brother was in his car on South Street when he observed his sibling being chased by both accused. Concerned for his brother’s safety he got out his car and challenged both accused as to their intentions.

“No words were exchanged but the accused Simpson struck him on the back of his head causing him to fall to the ground.”

Last week at the court Simpson, whose address was given as Inchcross Park, Bathgate, pled guilty to assault and causing a breach of the peace.

Watson, previously of Mayfield Drive, Armadale, admitted a breach of the peace offence.

Simpson’s solicitor, Kevin Dugan, told the court his client had been staying with Watson at the time of the offence.

“There had been trouble outside the home with some youths and he had gone to the street where the incident took place.

“There have been concerns about his general attitude to the whole offence which I share.

“He now seems to have realised and thought about the matter more fully and realises he has very few options in relation to this matter. He did not really understand the serious position he finds himself in.”

Watson’s solicitor, Raymond McMenamin told the court the 24-year-old was angry at himself for getting involved in the incident.

“He received a telephone call from his then partner who was at home and in advanced stages of pregnancy.

“She said there were people outside making a disturbance and had made remarks about her and the house.

“He went home and effectively chased the group away. In doing so he picked up a small metal pole which, for some reason, was lying in his garden.”

However, Sheriff Grahame Fleming was not impressed.

He said: “It seems to be the case that West Lothian is strewn with poles and other items that can and are used as weapons. It is an interesting feature of life in West Lothian.”

Sheriff Fleming handed both Simpson and Watson 80 hours of community service for the offence.

Simpson was also placed on probation for a year.