Highland League footballer jailed for 16 months after attacking a man outside lapdancing club
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The Lossiemouth FC player's victim suffered multiple fractures as a result of the attack.
Dean Stewart, of Logan Court, Elgin, was caught on CCTV punching his victim in the face – just seconds after the two had shared a handshake and embraced.
Police issued images from the footage after the November 10, 2019 assault in a successful attempt to identify the 24-year-old, who played centre back for Lossiemouth FC.
Inverness Sheriff Court heard that Stewart and his victim appeared to have agreed a truce following a 3am "exchange of words" outside Private Eyes in Academy Street, Inverness.
The surprise attack caused multiple facial fractures that required surgery, leaving the victim permanently disfigured.
Stewart had previously admitted a single charge of assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and permanent impairment.
Fiscal depute Susan Love told the court that the accused and his victim, along with two other males, were seen leaving the club and that the pair appeared to settle their differences in the moments before the attack.
“The accused then raises his hand to offer a high five or handshake, the complainer accepts, they embrace slightly,” Miss Love said.
However, immediately afterwards, Stewart lashed out at his victim.
“The accused then punched the complainer once to the face, the complainer evidently not expecting it and having no time to defend himself,” Miss Love said.
The court heard that the man was taken to Raigmore Hospital with multiple facial fractures to the right side of his face affecting his cheek, eye and nose.
The injuries required surgery where titanium plates and screws were inserted.
The victim was left with a drooping right eye, scarring inside his mouth and nerve pain.
Defence solicitor Scott McQuire said: "My client has stopped drinking alcohol since these events. He is a semi-professional footballer and also does coaching. He accepts he should have walked away. He reacted to a threat."
Sheriff Sara Matheson told Stewart: "There is no getting away from the fact that you have four previous convictions for assault and your victim suffered multiple fractures."
Stewart was sentenced to 16 months imprisonment.
