Family feud erupts in violence outside Blairgowrie pub

Dec 22 2011 by Les Stewart, Blairgowrie Adv

A DISCUSSION between two men about a family feud erupted in violence as one of them walked home.

Steven Johnstone was punched on the face after leaving a Blairgowrie pub and fell to the ground, striking his face.

Police found him “lying prone” on the pavement, with blood coming from a wound to his forehead and right eyebrow.

The incident led to crane driver Charles Wright (52), of Allan Street, Blairgowrie, being fined £800 at Perth Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted the assault on Mr Johnstone in Allan Street, Blairgowrie, on September 25.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said that both men are known to each other and were previously related through marriage.

“They had met up in various pubs throughout the evening of September 24 and the following morning.

“They had spoken about a family feud and the last conversation the parties had was intense and aggressive.”

The complainer was making his way home shortly after midnight when he was seen to have a “further heated conversation” with the accused.”

After the assault, an ambulance was called and Mr Johnstone was taken to A&E where he had a paper stitch inserted in a one-centimetre long cut above his eye.

There was also bruising and swelling on the right side of his forehead.

Solicitor Steve Lafferty said the accused had been out socialising with his wife and “happened upon” the complainer who was in the same hostelry.

“Things started off in a light-hearted manner but, at the end of the evening, the complainer told Mr Wright ‘he had better watch his back.’

“He then insulted the accused’s wife and sister-in-law, who was going through difficult divorce proceedings.”

Wright, who had two previous convictions from almost 30 years ago, was “genuinely remorseful” and apologised for his behaviour.

He was ordered to pay the fine at £100 a month.