Army veteran spent 14 month on remand following wheelie bin assault in Elgin
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An ex-soldier who turned to alcohol to help cope with post traumatic stress has been given a chance by a Sheriff to conquer his demons.
Sean Paterson from Elgin has been held in custody for the past 14 months, following accusations that he assault a man and a woman at Lossie Cottages on September 22 last year.
The defendant admitted threatening behaviour when he appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court today.
He also pleaded guilty to throwing a wheelie bin at the man.
The bin struck his victim on the head, leaving a permanent scar.
Speaking in his client's defence, solicitor Bill Adam said: "He had a difficult childhood, was in the Army for four years and has now been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.
"His record shows that if he gets support, he is unlikely to offend.
"He has little recollection of events but, when I showed the photograph, he was disgusted by the extent of the injury he had caused.
Paterson was ordered undergo alcohol treatment for the next 18 months.
Sheriff Gary Aitken said: "These are serious charges, and part of the reason is your difficulties with alcohol.
"You have spent 14 months on remand, which is the equivalent of a 28-month sentence, and you should be alcohol-free now. But there should be a mechanism in place when you get out to help you stay away from alcohol and offending."
