Victim of Alness High Street assault was able to identify attackers

The victim of a vicious Easter Ross assault by a man and a woman was able to identify his attackers leading to their arrest shortly afterwards.

Shaun Macleod was sitting on a bench on the High Street, Alness, drinking alcohol when 32-year-old Lewis Mackay and 33-year-old Charlene Seel crossed the road and approached him.

Fiscal depute Robert Weir told Inverness Sheriff Court: "Seel appeared angry and was waving her arm around. She punched him and then dragged him off the bench. She was throwing punches and kicks and Mackay was punching him. He was cowering trying to prevent the blows from landing and he fell to the ground.

"But she continued to kick him. He did not return any punches. Mackay then took his jacket and a bag off the bench and ran off. Police were called and Mr Macleod was able to name his attackers and they were later arrested.

"His injury was an old wound from a previous assault which had been re-opened. When Mackay's property was searched, a knuckleduster was found," Mr Weir added

Mackay of Burnside, Alness admitted the assault and theft and possession of an offensive weapon.

Seel of Milnafua, Alness also admitted the assault.

Sentence was deferred until February 13 for background and restriction of liberty order reports.