Offensive remark after wake led to Tain attendee breaking man's nose, Highland court is told

An offensive remark about a friend's mother who had recently died resulted in a broken nose for the man who made the comment.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told that Tain man, Liam Kemmitt of Moss Road, had attended the woman's funeral on November 3, 2018 and went on to the wake.

Sheriff Sara Matheson heard that drink had been taken by Kemmitt, now 24 years of age, who took exception to what was said.

Defence solicitor Clare Russell said: "It was made in the street after the wake. There was a single punch resulting in a broken nose. He doesn't have a clear recollection of events but accepts his behaviour was inappropriate in any circumstances.

"He is a first offender and has been on good behaviour since this incident. Since leaving university, he hopes to become a greenkeeper. He has very much learned a lesson here," Ms Russell went on.

Kemmitt, who admitted assault to severe injury, was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work.

Sheriff Matheson told him: "I have regard to your relative immaturity at the time of the offence."