Bizarre assault at Elgin bus station

A man who began drunkenly swinging a garden rake about at Elgin bus station has been given community service.

Elgin Sheriff Court heard that a woman was left with superficial scratches after being struck on the body by Jack Byiers.

The police had already been called after the 27-year-old started banging on the windows of Starbucks.

Defence solicitor Stephen Carty said his client's memory was far from complete in regards to the events of August 20.

Byiers could recall drinking at a pub in Elgin town centre that day.

He could then also remember waking up inside a police cell – but nothing between.

Mr Carty continued: "He can do nothing but apologise. He appreciates it must have been an upsetting incident for the woman.

"He also realises that his record of offending is starting to grow and has become a concern to the court.

"At long last though he has come to recognise that his use of alcohol is something that has to be addressed."

Byiers, who used to live in Elgin's Cameron Drive, but has moved to Spey Street, Rothes, was ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work for the community.

He was also placed under the court's supervision for the next 12 months.