Fight left man unconscious

A MAN who knocked out another man in a Lerwick scuffle who had remonstrated with him about an assault he previously committed has been fined.

Alistair Birse, of the town’s Hillhead, admitted at Lerwick Sheriff Court on Thursday to conducting himself in a disorderly manner on Commercial Road on 22 October, fighting with the man and committing a breach of the peace.

The offence was committed while the 24 year old was on bail.

Procurator fiscal Duncan Mackenzie said the victim was a relative of a man who was the subject of a past offence committed by Birse.

Both men had been drinking and the man approached Birse on the street, but their ability to resolve the situation was “non-existent” because of their alcohol intake.

The verbal altercation descended into a physical struggle with a punch ultimately thrown before the victim lost consciousness.

Nearby police attended the scene and the complainer was taken to hospital, but no treatment was needed.

Defence agent Tommy Allan said his client “accepts his judgement could have been better exercised”.

He said once Birse lashed out, he stopped and walked away from the scene immediately.

Sheriff Philip Mann said it exemplified how “foolish” it can be for people to engage in conversation about “sensitive matters” when drunk.

“When the drink is in, the wits are out,” he said.

Taking into account that the other party “has to bear some responsibility”, the sheriff fined Birse £400.