Courts in Moray: Former RAF Lossiemouth serviceman punched man who was with his friend's wife
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An RAF serviceman knocked a stranger unconscious after encountering him with the wife of a friend.
The victim of the assault and the woman had been drinking late into the night in Lossiemouth.
About half an hour after midnight they were walking near the air base when a taxi drew up beside them on Coulardbank Road.
Elgin Sheriff Court heard that Jamie Simmons got out of the vehicle along with another man.
Fiscal depute Shay Treanor stated that words were exchanged and the confrontation escalated into violence.
He said: "The accused punched him in the face and he fell to the ground, hitting his head on the pavement.
"His eyes were closed and he was not responding to anything that was said to him."
Mr Treanor stated that Simmons ran off towards to the base where he had his quarters.
He added that, on regaining consciousness, the victim spat out blood from his mouth as well as a tooth.
The police were called and Simmons was arrested shortly afterwards.
Defence solicitor Matthew O'Neill said: "The woman was the wife of a friend.
"He thought that she was extremely drunk and he had some concern as to what was happening.
"He involved himself in the situation and words were exchanged that were neither friendly or positive.
"After what happened next he was encouraged to get himself away from the scene.
"He appreciates that he should have stayed."
Mr O'Neill added that Simmons was a first time offender who had since left the RAF, and now works with horses at an equestrian centre.
The 31-year-old, whose address was given in court papers at the Shropshire village of Whitchurch, pleaded guilty to a single charge of assault.
Speaking directly to the defendant, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank said: "You have an exemplary military record. I'm satisfied that this incident was out of character."
Simmons was fined £450 and also ordered to pay his victim £1000 compensation.
