A MAN was knocked unconscious after being punched in an unprovoked assault in a Newmills pub.

The “thuggish” attack was carried out by offshore worker Derek Devlin, who was so drunk that he cannot remember anything about it.

Devlin, 53, of Valleyfield Avenue, High Valleyfield, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on December 17, at the Goth Tavern, Main Street, Newmills, he assaulted his victim by striking him on the head, causing his head to hit the bar, and he then fell to the ground and lost consciousness, to his injury.

Depute fiscal Jamie Hilland said the victim had been having a drink with friends in the bar.

“The accused was seated in the corner of the bar. He had been warned about his behaviour and it appeared he was about to leave,” he went on.

“He put his jacket on and he then punched the complainer on the back of the head. This caused his head to hit the bar and he fell to the ground.

“Others stepped in and the complainer was still unconscious. Police were called and the complainer refused medical treatment. He sustained two grazes above his eyes.”

Defence solicitor Jonathan Matheson-Dear said: “He has very little recollection because of the amount of alcohol consumed.

“After this incident, a number of people had set upon Mr Devlin. When he came to, there were people on top of him.

“He had no issue with the complainer and both had been regulars in the pub for some time.

“It’s accepted by him that he acted in the thuggish manner without any provocation.

“He’s ashamed of his actions and embarrassed. He self-barred himself from the pub and has moderated his drinking.”

Sheriff Chris Shead imposed a community payback order with 160 hours of unpaid work.