A CAMBUS man has admitted to beating his sister’s former partner unconscious outside a pub in Clackmannan.

Graeme Kennedy (24), of South Street, pleaded guilty to assault and to behaving in a threatening and abusive manner when he appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Monday (24 November).

The attack took place outside the Horseshoe Bar on Main Street, Clackmannan, on 23 August 2013, while Kennedy also admitted to disorderly conduct on North Street.

Jim Savage, defending, told the court that the complainer had previously been in a relationship with Kennedy’s sister and claimed that their time together was characterised by domestic abuse.

Mr Savage said: “The complainer engaged in winding up Mr Kennedy regarding this relationship and talked about contacting his sister, which he knew would cause her distress.

“He then snapped and reacted to the situation with violence – something he knows is not appropriate.

“Mr Kennedy understands that the relatively minor injuries sustained by the complainer was due to luck and not by design. He realises this matter could have been a lot worse.” Mr Savage added: “The effects of alcohol of clearly played their part in this incident and, as a result, Mr Kennedy has abstained from drinking.

“He also has a seven-month-old daughter and is fearful of the impact imprisonment would have on her life.” After reviewing the case, Sheriff David Mackie opted not to send Kennedy to prison, instead imposing a community payback order.

He said: “This is a very serious matter, as evidenced by the fact the complainer was rendered unconscious as a result.

“Mr Savage is quite right in saying this could have had much more serious consequences and with that in mind the possibility of custody is at the fore.

“But I feel it will be more constructive for you to allow this matter to be dealt with in the community.

“I will impose an 18-month supervision order as well as 200 hours of unpaid work to be carried out over the next 12 months. This is reduced from 250 hours due to your earlier plea.

“I will also place on you a conduct requirement to engage with the mental health services.

“However, it is my duty to inform you that if you don’t complete the order you will be brought back to court and the sentenced will be reviewed.”