A PUB customer was punched for no reason as he relaxed at a Dunfermline bar.

The man was in the smoking area at the back of the Seven Kings pub when he was assaulted by Peter McDonald.

McDonald, 39, of Segal House, Dunfermline, admitted that on January 14 at the Seven Kings, Bridge Street, he assaulted a man by punching him on the head to his injury.

Depute fiscal Katherine Fraser told Dunfermline Sheriff Court that a barman and customer had earlier seen McDonald behaving erratically and irritating other patrons.

At around 10pm he went to the rear of the pub and sat down next to the victim, who was on his own having a smoke.

The depute said: “Without provocation, he stood up and punched the complainer with such force that he was rocked back in his seat. This was all captured on CCTV. The accused then ran away towards his home.”

Police were called and traced the culprit. When cautioned and charged, McDonald replied: “Guilty. Not before time. Somebody was getting it. Get me to prison to punch some other mother******.”

Defence solicitor Ian Beatson said of his client: “He became homeless after his relationship ended. He was drinking on top of medication that day and has no recollection of this incident.”

Sheriff Craig McSherry imposed a community payback order with 12 months’ supervision and alcohol counselling. McDonald was also ordered to pay £250 compensation.