Moray man Andrew McLaren (30) knocked out friend twice during Moray drinking session

A 30-year-old Moray man who beat a male friend unconscious twice during a drinking session has been jailed.

Andrew McLaren from Forres visited his ex-girlfriend in Aberlour on February 17 after she invited him to her home.

This was in defiance of a five year non-harassment order which had been imposed on him to protect her from domestic abuse.

Speaking at Inverness Sheriff Court, fiscal depute Pauline Gair said: "It is one of these relationships where they can't live with each other, nor can they live without each other."

The court was told that McLaren and the man initially started play-fighting and arm-wrestling, but the situation escalated.

Ms Gair added: "The accused grabbed the man after an argument and punched him repeatedly, causing him to fall to the floor unconscious.”

McLaren then punched his ex-girlfriend in the face when she tried to come to the man’s assistance.

After a couple of minutes the male victim came round but was then knocked unconscious again.

The assault left him with a broken eye socket.

McLaren admitted committing the assaults.

He also pleaded guilty to breaching the non-harassment order which was originally imposed on him in September 2022.

The court was told that McLaren had little memory of what happened because of drink.

Defence solicitor Iain Maltman said: "His record does him no credit and he accepts a prison sentence will be imposed.

"Ordinarily he lives in Forres, but he accepted an invitation to go her house where alcohol was consumed.

Sheriff Gary Aitken imposed a 14-month prison sentence.

He told McLaren: "Your domestic record is terrible and your record of breaching court orders is terrible. Violence of this kind will not be tolerated.

"On your release you must observe the court order. It will be of benefit to you and your ex-partner if you stay away from each other."