Clubber attacked man he thought had tried to touch him

A CLUBBER carried out a vicious attack on a man because he thought he had made a pass at him in a nightclub, a court was told today.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Stephen De Veres, 23, was on his way home when he thought he recognised the man who had earlier tried to touch his bottom.

Fiscal depute Melanie Ward said De Veres started to shout at Tony Singh calling him a "poof" and a "faggot".

She said: "He then followed him and in an attempt to get away from the accused Mr Singh turned up a lane on to Royal Terrace and the accused followed him up there.

"Mr Singh turned round and asked the accused what he was doing and why he was following him. The accused then punched him and he fell to the ground and he was kicked repeatedly on the head."

The court heard De Veres left Mr Singh on the ground but he was able to get to his feet and contact police. Ms Ward added that Mr Singh was left with a sore lip and head following the attack but admitted he had been drinking which could have contributed.

De Veres, of Edinburgh Prison, admitted carrying out the attack at Royal Terrace, Edinburgh, on July 23 this year.

The court heard De Veres was not homophobic and was actually bisexual but had been on a drinking session as well as taking ecstasy.

Sheriff Mhairi Stephen told De Veres: "Clearly this is a very serious matter because it is just gratuitous and wanton violence towards Mr Singh."

She said the offence was aggravated by the prejudice he had displayed and the fact the he was on bail and probation at the time and had a serious record. Sentence was deferred for background reports until next month.