Falkirk lout who battered fellow customer and damaged property at two pubs receives hefty fine

Don Fairley launched himself at a man, knocked him to the floor and began raining down blows on his victim’s head at the Carronshore Bar on March 16, 2019.

The 35-year-old also cracked a pub door and damaged signage after being asked to leave The Stables in Stenhousemuir on July 19 last year due to his intoxicated state.

Fairley, of 69 Ladysmill Court, Falkirk, appeared at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday having pleaded guilty to both charges against him.

Detailing the circumstances leading to the assault on March 16 last year, procurator fiscal depute Sarah Smith told the court the victim, who was sat opposite Fairley, had made a jokey comment about another customer.

Ms Smith said: “He believed it to be in light humour, however, the accused didn’t agree with this and jumped up from his seat and punched the witness to the left of the face, causing him to fall to the ground.

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“The accused thereafter punched the witness again whilst on the ground a further few times to the left of his lead.

“The witness’s son and other customers pulled the accused away and he was thereafter ejected from the premises and advised to go home.

“The witness didn’t receive any medical treatment however suffered some bruising.”

Fairley’s temper again flared during the incident at The Stables.

His drunkenness led to a member of staff advising Fairley’s wife her husband wouldn’t be served more alcohol and that it’d be best if he left.

An uncooperative Fairley again became involved in a fight with a fellow customer before punching a door and signage as he exited the venue.

Defence solicitor Simon Hutchison said the brawl in The Stables started when a customer “took a pool cue” to Fairley’s head.

Mr Hutchison added: “He took his anger out on the door and the sign.

“He’s drinking less, got a job and he’s not come to the attention of police since.”

Sheriff Derek Livingston described Fairley’s conduct as “absolutely appalling” and warned him he’d only escaped a custodial sentence due to his lack of offending since.

He was made subject to a £1250 compensation order, payable at £150-per-month.

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