Drunk assaulted ex at Airth Castle Christmas party after being 'tickled'

Max Cairns (24) punched the man after he was “tickled” during an exchange at Airth Castle on December 21, 2019.

Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Cairns had admitted assaulting the man by punching him on the head; pouring liquid on him; striking him on the head with a glass or similar object; striking him on the head with his hand; throwing a glass at him; and repeatedly striking him on the head with a metal pole, causing him to fall to the ground to his injury.

Cairns, of 94 Currieside Avenue, Shotts, lost his temper within the toilets of the Airth venue, the court was told.

Procurator fiscal depute Rachel Wallace said: “At 9.20pm the witness and accused were within the toilets.

“At this moment, the witness tickled the accused, who thereafter punched the witness to the left of his head.

“The witness returned to the table, however, a short time later the accused returned and attempted to pour a glass of wine over the witness. However, the witness was able to avoid this.

“Two witnesses seated at the adjacent table observed the accused to slap the witness to the head and thereafter throw a glass over him which missed.

“The witnesses observed the accused to strike the witness to the rear of the head twice.

“This caused him to fall off the chair and onto the floor. The accused thereafter left the locus and police were contacted.

“The witness had two small lumps to the back of the head. An ambulance conveyed the witness to Forth Valley Royal Hospital. He was treated, however, left prior to receiving an x-ray.

“The accused was cautioned and charged and made no reply.”

His defence solicitor said Cairns “deeply regrets his behaviour”.

The solicitor added: “He was drinking to excess. He isn’t a big drinker and accepts it significantly impaired his thoughts.

“They had been in a relationship for four years prior. It was nearing a conclusion and is now at an end.”

Sheriff Keith O’Mahoney fined Cairns, a first offender, £600 and gave him 20 days to make the payment. He was also ordered to pay a £40 victim surcharge.

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