Strathpeffer doorstep stooshie ended in assault and a trip to Inverness Sheriff Court
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A DOORSTEP altercation in a Ross-shire village led to court and a charge of assault.
But that wasn't the end of Steven Shepherd's difficulties at Inverness Sheriff Court as he also admitted a breach of bail charge.
The court heard how two friends fell out after they drank too much and returned to the home of one – only to be refused entry.
Steven Shepherd of Ord Terrace, Strathpeffer had been phoned by a female pal on July 11, 2023 to see if the 25-year-old was all right.
Fiscal depute David Morton told Inverness Sheriff Court that the pair agreed to meet – but when they returned to her home, her daughter refused to let Shepherd in.
She was supported by her mother who didn't want to upset her – but Shepherd "took exception to this and he pushed her with both hands, causing her to fall from the doorstep on to the street," the prosecutor said.
Shepherd admitted assault and a breach of his bail curfew two days earlier on his birthday when he stayed out later than he was permitted to by the court.
Defence solicitor Rory Gowans told Sheriff Sara Matheson: "Both had been drinking heavily and her daughter objected to him coming in to the house. He didn't envisage her falling over.
Mr Gowans added: "Notwithstanding this, they are still friends and she is supportive of him. While in custody, he has detoxed and hopes to now get back into employment. It would get him into a routine and when he stops drinking, the trouble stops.".
Sheriff Matheson fined Shepherd £210 on the bail breach and ordered him to carry out 120 hours of unpaid work for the assault.
She told him: "Keep your drinking under control."
