Man jailed for revenge assault inside Elgin Sheriff Court building

Tony Arbuthnot, from Lossiemouth, launched the attack outside the main courtroom after spotting his victim emerging from a waiting area. He punched and kicked the man in the head, leaving him with a permanent scar that required five stitches. The incident took place on March 24 last year.

Although the assault occurred in Elgin, the case was heard at Inverness Sheriff Court.

Defence solicitor Brent Lockie said it was a “revenge attack”, stating that Arbuthnot had previously been assaulted by members of the victim’s family. Mr Lockie told the court: “My client saw him emerging from the waiting room smirking. The red mist then descended. He is quite ashamed of himself.”

Arbuthnot was not immediately detained following the assault but was later arrested at Aberdeen Airport after police received intelligence that he intended to board a flight to Spain.

Sentencing him to 23 months’ imprisonment, Sheriff Ian Cruickshank addressed Arbuthnot directly, noting: “This offence was committed when you were subject to two bail orders. You also have three previous convictions, two for assault to injury and one of assault to severe injury.

“The public interest deserves something else other than a community-based disposal. This assault was committed within the precincts of a court and the public interest demands protection.”