A former Glenochil prisoner took on another inmate armed with a kettle

On Thursday at Alloa Sheriff Court, Michael Martin admitted assaulting Barry Watson with two other men on May 26, 2015 in the Clackmannanshire prison.

Fiscal depute Ruairidh Ferguson told the court that Watson swung a kettle at a fellow inmate, to which Martin got involved by grabbing the complainer, pulling him to the floor, and repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body.

Watson refused medical attention, but it was reported that he was seen to be bleeding from his head.

Martin’s defence agent claimed that there was an incident involving the men earlier that day and Watson was not happy.

Watson was seen on CCTV approaching Martin’s cell with a kettle and lunging at the accused.

Martin, believing the kettle to be filled with hot water and sugar, closed his cell door.

The 32-year-old, of Randolph Crescent in Kirkcaldy, then heard a bang.

Fearing for his brother’s safety, who was also an inmate at the time, Martin then re-opened the door and tackled Watson.

As well as the kettle, a razor was also recovered from the scene.

The defence agent stated that it was not a “one-sided incident”, but that Martin accepts his behaviour went beyond self-defence.

He was given three days in solitary for the barney. Watson was also punished.

Since being liberated last June, Martin has since returned to his partner and child

Sheriff Gillian Wade sentenced Martin to a Community Payback Order with 225 hours of unpaid work to be complete within one year.