Golspie joiner launched assault following smack in the face from top hat wearer in Dingwall pub, court hears

A request to try on a top hat being worn by a Dingwall pub customer led to a fight between the two men.

Golspie joiner Cameron Sutherland (23) of Old Bank Road had been in the bar of the National Hotel on the night of February 3 this year when he saw another patron wearing his unusual headgear.

Inverness Sheriff Court was told Sutherland went across to speak to the man but was hit on the face.

Sutherland then reacted, punched the man on the head, knocking him to the ground. He jumped on top of him and repeatedly punched him to the head, causing a bloody nose and a broken tooth.

Sutherland admitted assault to injury but fiscal depute Victoria Sutherland conceded that it was under provocation.

He was arrested by police shortly after and told officers: "I hit him but he hit me first."

Defence solicitor Graham Mann said: "He raised the issue of the top hat in a friendly manner. It was not met well but with aggression which was unnecessary."

Sutherland was ordered to pay his victim £500 in compensation.