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21/08/2024

FIFE FAMILY 'DEVASTATED' AFTER TWO CATS DIE FROM POISONING

Two young cats from the same family have died due to suspected anti-freeze poison in Fife.

The latest incident was last Saturday when a pet in the Methil area was taken to the vets and his bloods showed signs of toxity.

He did not respond to treatment and was put to sleep to stop further suffering.

This was only just nine days after his sister was rushed to the vet displaying symptoms of poisoning and also had to be euthanised.

Scottish SPCA inspector, Robyn Gray, said: “Most people are unaware of the danger to pets from anti-freeze poisoning. Eating the smallest amount can cause kidney failure and death, especially in cats.

“These cats showed symptoms of lacking co-ordination, vomiting, dilated eyes, dehydration, lethargic and seizures. Most vets associate these symptoms with poisoning.

“We would urge all pet owners to be vigilant in the High Street area.

“If your pet shows any signs that they may have been poisoned, take them to the vet immediately.

“Using poison, or any dangerous item, with the intent of deliberately harming animals is a crime and is enforceable by law.

“The family has been devastated by the death of their beloved pets and are fearful for the other cats in the area.”

19/08/2024

FIFE COUNCILLOR ASSAULTED BY YOUTH ON BIKE

A Fife councillor was assaulted by a youth on an off-road bike as she was out walking her dog last night.

Rosemary Liewald, who represents the Lochgelly, Cardenden and Benarty ward, was struck on the face and knocked to the ground.

The incident took place in the Bowhill Woods at around 7.15pm.

The 64-year-old council was able to photograph the youth on her phone.

She says he raised his arm as he passed her, hitting her on the face and knocking her to the ground.

She sustained a bloodied face, a thick lip and scratches on her arm.

Inspector Michael Booker of Cowdenbeath Police Station said, “We are keen to trace the rider of the off-road bike.

“He is around 13-17 years old, of slim build, wearing a blue Adidas tracksuit top, dark blue tracksuit bottoms. He was also wearing a blue motorbike helmet with white stripes.

“The bike he was riding was a green off-road bike."

15/08/2024

MOBILE PHONES CAN NOW BE BANNED BY HEADTEACHERS

Headteachers are being given the power to ban mobile phones in Scottish schools.

As well as distracting pupils during the school day, mobile phones have been used to film bullying incidents and post them online.

Scotland's education secretary Jenny Gilruth, who was formerly a high school teacher in Dunfermline, said there were "growing behavioural issues" with phones.

She added, "This new guidance empowers headteachers to take the steps they see fit for their school to limit the use of mobile phones, including a full ban on the school estate if they feel that is required, and I would encourage teachers to take all the steps they feel necessary to combat these issues."

However, the Scottish Government is stopping short of bringing in a nationwide ban on phones in classrooms.

12/08/2024

TWO PEOPLE KILLED AFTER CAR LEAVES ROAD IN FIFE

A man and women were killed after their car veered off a road in Fife last night.

The white Mercedes AMG C43 was the only vehicle involved in the crash on the Kelty to Saline road, near Blairadam, at about 8.50pm.

Emergency services attended but the two occupants of the car were pronounced dead at the scene.

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said two fire engines were dispatched to the incident.

Kenny Barbour, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service senior officer said, “Our crews worked closely with other emergency service partners to make the scene safe.

“Sadly, two occupants of the vehicle involved have passed away and our thoughts are with their families and friends at this difficult time.”

05/08/2024

JAILED: SERIAL CHILD S*X OFFENDER FROM DUNFERMLINE

A Fife child s*x offender, who abused four young boys over a 19-year period, has been jailed for five years.

Paedo Peter McCormick, 66, who has recently been living in Dunfermline, committed the offences between 1978 and 1997 began his horrific crime spree in the Stirling area.

He admitted being engaged in lewd, indecent and libidinous practices towards the children between June 1978 and December 1997.

His first victim recalled that in 1978, he and his friends had gone to McCormick’s home in Stirling where they were given cannabis and alcohol by the then 20-year-old.

After falling asleep on the offender’s bed, the boy woke up to find McCormick abusing him.

McCormick invited his second victim for a sleepover at his home in the summer of 1978.

He gave the child ci******es and alcohol. The boy later woke up to find McCormick s*xually abusing him.

In 1979, McCormick abused his third victim. He supplied the child with alcohol and encouraged him to keep drinking.

The boy woke up in the middle of the night to find the accused abusing him.

Between 1994 and 1997, McCormick targeted a fourth boy. The victim recalled the abuser being nice to him and buying him sweets.

McCormick began asking the boy questions of a s*xual nature and showing him po*******hy. He then began s*xually abusing the child.

Today he was sentenced to five years in jail at the High Court in Glasgow.

Scotland’s Procurator Fiscal for High Court Sexual Offences, Katrina Parkes, said, “Peter McCormick manipulated and exploited these young children in an abhorrent campaign of abuse.

“His victims have shown great courage and strength by coming forward and reporting him to the authorities.

“McCormick will now have to face the consequences of his actions.

“We recognise the significant trauma caused by offending of this nature as well as the lifelong effects it can have.

“I would encourage all victims of similar offending – no matter how long ago it may have occurred – to come forward, report it and seek help.”

05/08/2024

GUILTY: FIFE PAEDO WHO ABUSED YOUNG BOYS IS BEHIND BARS

A 59-year-old Lumphinnans man has been found guilty of s*xually abusing two young boys.

Robert Brown was convicted after a jury trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

The trial heard the victims were nine and 14 when the abuse began.

It took place during two separate periods at two addresses Brown was living at.

The first case involved a boy aged 14/15 and the s*x abused took place on various occasions between 22nd June 2003 and 21st June 2005 at Hilton View, Lumphinnans, Blairadam Forest, Kelty and various roads in Fife, he indecently assaulted a boy then aged 14/15 years.

He uttered a s*xual remark to him, touched and rubbed his body whilst showing him pornographic videos, ma******ted him, induced the boy to ma******te him and performed oral s*x on him.

The victim said there was also plenty of alcohol to be had at Brown’s home and he would go there to drink, smoke and play video games.

Brown also groomed the boy by taking to Blairadam Forest and slowing him to drive his car. However, Brown would grope the boy when this was happening.

The second victim was aged 9/11 years and the abuse took place on various occasions between 17th March 2011 and 16th March 2014, at Robert Smith Court, Lumphinnans.

Brown showed him pornographic videos and s*xually assaulted the boy, caused him to participate in s*xual activity, ma******ted in his presence, caused the boy to ma******te him, ma******ted the boy and performed oral s*x on him.

Sheriff Susan Duff called for reports and Brown was remanded in custody until sentencing on 26th August.

05/08/2024

FIFE WARNING ON FAKE £50 NOTES

Police have warned of fake £50 notes currently circulating in parts of Fife.

Shop owners have been warned be vigilant for the counterfeit bank notes.

Over the past week, fake £50 notes have been used in large and small retailers.

The areas involved include Dunfermline, Lochgelly and Dalgety Bay.

04/08/2024

ROVERS SACK MANAGER AFTER FIRST LEAGUE GAME

Raith Rovers have sacked their manager Ian Murray after just one league match of the new season.

Rovers lost their opening fixture against Airdrie yesterday.

In a statement today, the club says it "can confirm it has parted company with First Team Manager Ian Murray."

It goes on, "The board expresses its gratitude to Ian for his contributions since joining the club in May 2022.

"Despite finishing 2nd last season, results and performances since the turn of the year have fallen short of expectations. The board has therefore decided to terminate the manager’s contract.

"The process of appointing a new manager has begun. In the interim, Colin Cameron and John Potter will take on First Team duties until a successor is appointed."

01/08/2024

MAN (31) CHARGED WITH SETTING FIRE TO CARS IN GLENROTHES

A 31-year-old man has been charged in connection with a spate of wilful fire-raising incidents in Glenrothes.

Cars were set alight in Fernie Court on Saturday 29th June.

There were further similar fires in Melville Close on 13th and 19th July then another incident at Strathallan Close last Sunday.

The man has been released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date.

Sergeant Nicola Crookston said, " Thankfully nobody has been injured as a result of these reckless acts.

“We understand the significant impact these incidents have had on the victims, and appreciate the assistance provided by the local community during our investigations.

"Such behaviour is unacceptable, and we are committed to thoroughly investigating all reports of wilful fire-raising.”

31/07/2024

WOMEN STRUCK WITH PELLETS SHOT FROM CAR IN FIFE

A group of women were struck by pellets fired from a car in an incident in St Andrews.

At around 1.45am on 24th July, five women were walking near to Buchanan Gardens when they were shot at by the occupant of a passing car.

Three women were struck by pellets. Fortunately, they did not require medical attention.

Police say there was a silver hatchback in the area at the time and officers are keen to speak to the occupants.

Sergeant Nicola Gillespie said, “Officers have been carrying out enquiries and are continuing to study CCTV images from the local area.

“I would urge anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident who saw anything suspicious or has any information that may assist our enquiry to contact us.

“I’d also appeal to any drivers with dash-cam to review their footage and please contact us if it holds anything relevant.

30/07/2024

PAEDO EX-FOOTBALLER FROM FIFE JAILED

A 61-year-old Fifer, caught with indecent images of children at Edinburgh airport, has been jailed for four years.

Ian Heddle, originally from Dunfermline, was returning to his home in Thailand when he was arrested.

In then emerged that the former footballer had recorded videos of himself s*xually assaulting a young girl in Thailand.

He was also found to have stored 272,936 indecent images of children alongside 4,001 videos after being snared by police.

Heddle played for a number of Scottish clubs in the 1980s and 1990s, including Dunfermline Athletic and St Johnstone.

Today at the High Court in Edinburgh, Heddle was jailed for four years for the s*xual assault of a child and possession of indecent images of children.

He has also been placed on the s*x offenders register for an indefinite period of time.

The National Crime Agency liaised with the Royal Thai Police to support Police Scotland’s investigation, helping to ensure the safeguarding of the child in Thailand and obtained a witness statement.

It was established that he had s*xually assaulted the young girl in Thailand.

Detective Inspector Adrian Ure of National Child Abuse Investigations Unit said: “Heddle’s behaviour was deplorable with no thought to the young child he s*xually assaulted or the victims depicted in the images and videos he was viewing.

“His sentencing sends a clear message that anyone found guilty of these offences will be brought to justice.

Duncan Burrage, a National Crime Agency International Liaison Officer, said: “Offenders like Ian Heddle think that they won’t get caught by travelling to the other side of the world to conduct child abuse.

“However, the NCA has the capabilities to identify and disrupt them. Borders are not a barrier; we work closely with our partners in the UK and overseas to ensure that Britons committing child abuse offences abroad are prosecuted and vulnerable children are safeguarded, wherever they are in the world.”

26/07/2024

NEW HOT FOOD DRIVER PUNCHED BOSS IN WRONG ADDRESS ROW

A new driver at a Fife hot food take-away punched his boss after his first delivery went off track.

Nicholas Smith said he was being treated like a “dick-head” and had been given a joke address in America for the drop-off.

A rammy erupted soon after the new employee started his first shift.

Smith, 36, of Caledonia Court, Rosyth, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court, representing himself.

He admitted that on 14th December at Shalimar, Queensferry Road, Rosyth, he assaulted the man by punching him to the head.

Depute fiscal Andrew Brown said the owner of the take-away had been looking for a new delivery driver.

Smith turned up for his first shift at 5pm and was told what the job involved.

The depute went on, “An order came in and the food was given to the accused. He left the premises but returned a short time later.

“He was immediately abusive towards the staff saying the address was wrong and they were treating him like a d***-head.

“A disagreement ensued,” added the depute. The owner tried to es**rt Smith off the premises and was punched in the face.

When interviewed by the police later, Smith said, “It wasn’t me. I don’t even know the place.”

However, in court, Smith said, “It was my first shift and they gave me a wrong address. The address was in America in fact. When I went back, I was called an ‘English c***’.

“I punched him out of retaliation. The food was still in my car. I found it the next day and threw it away.”

Smith, a construction worker, added, “I just wish it had never happened.”

The court heard Smith has previous convictions for violence.

Sheriff Donald Ferguson fined Smith £245 and warned him, “Be careful going forward because if there’s any repeat the court will do something more drastic.”

25/07/2024

WOMAN WHO SUFFERED NEAR-FATAL HEART ATTACK HAULED TO DOCK TO EXPLAIN WHY SHE MISSED COURT DATE

A 63-year-old Dunfermline woman, ordered to court to explain why she had not appeared as a witness at a trial, said, “I'd had a heart attack and passed away.”

The woman told the court today she had been in hospital at the time of the trial having been revived after she stopped breathing following a cardiac arrest.

She has now received an apology for the court cock-up which saw a witness warrant granted.

She had been asked to explain why she had not turned up at court in May and replied, “I was in hospital as I had a heart attack and I passed away but they brought me back.”

She added that she had spent several weeks in hospital and that a social worker phoned the court to tell them what had happened.

Sheriff Donald Ferguson demanded to know how the Crown did not know their witness was seriously ill leading to a warrant being sought.

He told the depute in court, “I think you should extend an apology.”

Depute fiscal Andrew Brown said to the woman, “Sorry for the additional stress caused.”

The sheriff told the woman contempt of court was no longer being considered and asked her to attend for the trial’s rescheduled date in September.

24/07/2024

'TV STUNT DRIVER' SERIOUSLY INJURED CYCLIST ON ROUNDABOUT

A van driver hit a cyclist in Kelty leaving him with a fractured shoulder.

James Cunningham, 56, of Oxgangs Street, Edinburgh, was found guilty after a trial at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

During his evidence, Cunningham claimed he was an “advanced driver” who did stunts “flipping cars for Channel 4”.

He had denied that on 13th October 2022 at Main Street, Kelty, he caused serious injury to the cyclist by driving without due care and attention.

He failed to slow down for a cyclist ahead of him, collided with the cycle, causing the cyclist to be thrown from the bike and land a few metres away causing damage to the bike and serious injury to the cyclist.

Cunningham claimed that his Luton van had not come into contact with the cyclist.

He claimed the cyclist had been going too fast and lost control.

However, Sheriff Krista Johnston rejected Cunningham’s version of events and found him guilty.

He began ranting in the dock and was warned he would held in contempt of court if he did not stop talking.

The sheriff banned Cunningham from driving for a year and fined him £320.

23/07/2024

FORMER SUBWAY CARRIAGES UP FOR GRABS

Glasgow subway’s former carriages have been put up for sale with a £5000 price tag - but charities can have them for free.

The old carriages could be reused in various ways such as cafes, glamping pods, community hubs or art galleries.

The city's ‘Clockwork Orange’ trains were gradually taken out of service this year and replaced with new modern cars.

The £5000 fee will be waived for charities and unsold carriages will be scrapped at the end of August.

23/07/2024

FIFE STORES TO CLOSE

Carpetright’s stores in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy and Glenrothes are to close, it has been confirmed today.

They are among more than 200 branches facing the axe across the UK.

Administrators PWC announced yesterday that flooring retailer Tapi had agreed to buy 54 Carpetright stores, two warehouses and the brand and its intellectual property in a pre-pack administration deal.

However, the deal will not save the majority of the business, including the Fife stores.

19/07/2024

MAN WAS DRUGGED, R***D AND MURDERED IN FIFE

Two men have been convicted of the r**e and murder of a 24-year-old man in Fife.

Dylan Brister, aged 27, and Cameron Allan (pictured), aged 20, were found guilty today following a trial at the High Court in Edinburgh.

The body of Calum Simpson was found within a property on Herriot Crescent in Methil on 3rd November 2021.

He had been drugged and subjected to a serious s*xual assault. Enquiries were carried out and the two men were arrested and charged in connection with the assault and his death.

The pair will be sentenced on a later date. Father-of-three Calum died from intoxication with the Class C drug Etizolam and alcohol following the attack at Brister's home in Methil. His youngest child was born 11 days earlier.

Brister from Methil and Allan of Dunfermline spiked the victim's drinks leaving him unconscious, before subjecting him to a s*xual assault recorded on a mobile phone.

Graphic footage recovered from Allan's phone was shown to the jury during along with photographs of horrific injuries sustained by the victim.

The trial judge, Lord Harrower, told jurors after they unanimously convicted the pair of the s*xual assault, r**e and murder: "The evidence has been of the most harrowing nature that this court has ever had the misfortune to listen to."

Detective Inspector Scott Roxburgh, Senior Investigating Officer, said: “Our thoughts are very much with Calum’s family and friends and I hope that the conviction brings them some kind of closure.

“This was a particularly horrific and sickening attack on a young man who died after being drugged and s*xually attacked. Both men will now face the consequences of their actions."

19/07/2024

FLIGHTS CANCELLED AND DELAYED AT EDINBURGH AIRPORT

An IT systems issue has resulted in widespread disruption at Edinburgh Airport and across the aviation network today.

The airport says: "An IT system outage caused disruption at the airport and across the wider aviation network on Friday.

"Passengers should not to come to the airport without first checking the status of their flight with their airline.

"Anyone whose fight has been cancelled should leave the airport and contact their airline directly for more information.

"Parking customers impacted by inbound flight delays, and who incur overstay charges as a result, should press the buzzer as they exit the car park and this charge will be waived.

"This system outage impacted many other businesses, including airports.

"Our teams are continuing to work hard to manage this situation as best they can, and passengers are thanked for their patience and understanding."

16/07/2024

DRIVER DIES AFTER LORRY CRASH IN FIFE

A 53-year-old man has died following a crash after his lorry left the road on the A92 near Cowdenbeath today.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 10.05am this morning.

Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sergeant Mike Thomson of Fife Road Policing said: “Our thoughts are with the man’s family and friends at this difficult time."

15/07/2024

LIDL NEW STORE PLANS TO GO AHEAD IN ROSYTH

Lidl today confirmed it has purchased a site In Admiralty Road, Rosyth.

A deal was agreed between Lidl, the previous land owners Mac Mic Group and Fife Council.

The plans, previously approved by Fife Council, represent a multi-million-pound investment.

The store will create up to 40 new jobs and is set to open in 2026.

Ross Jackson, Regional Head of Property at Lidl GB, commented: “Our plans to build a Lidl store in Rosyth have been approximately ten years in the making.

"Therefore, we are very excited to have reached an agreement with Fife Council and Mac Mic Group that will allow us to finally bring a Lidl store to the community.

“As our customer base continues to grow in Scotland, this deal marks another important commitment to our ongoing investment in the country, and the Fife area in particular.

"We would like to thank the community of Rosyth for their continued support and now look forward to finally making their new Lidl store a reality.”

David Ross, Fife Council Leader, said: "I’m very pleased that Lidl has now confirmed plans for opening a store in Rosyth will be going ahead. It has taken some time to have this investment confirmed but it will be a welcome boost for the local area.”

12/07/2024

WIN A TRIP TO THE TOP OF THE FORTH ROAD BRIDGE

A series of events will take place to mark the 60th anniversary of the Forth Road Bridge.

These include the chance to go to the top of the towers.

The iconic crossing opened to traffic for the first time on 4th September 1964 and was, at the time, the longest suspension bridge in the world outside the USA.

There will be a number of public events held on the 4th and 7th of September this year to mark the milestone.

These include:

A ceremony with local school children and representatives to celebrate the bridge’s links with the community on Wed 4th Sept.

A fleet of vintage and electric buses will offer trips across the Forth Road Bridge on Sat 7th Sept.

A public exhibition on the history of the Forth Road Bridge and presentations on the future of the famous crossing from industry professionals on Wed 4th Sept.

60 tours to the top of the towers, with a competition for members of the public to win places.

Details on how to get involved with all the events will be announced shortly, say the organisers.

12/07/2024

WHERE FIFE STANDS IN FOOD HYGIENE LEAGUE TABLE

Over 97 per cent of food businesses in Fife have passed their hygiene test.

Good news if you're going out for a meal or ordering a take-away tonight.

In Scotland, premises are inspected under the Food Hygiene Information Scheme (FHIS).

After an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) has reviewed the safety systems in place at a premises, observed food hygiene in practice and spoken with the staff, the businesses are given either a ‘Pass’ - meaning they meet the legal standard of food hygiene, or ‘Improvement Required’ - meaning the legal standard of food hygiene was not evident during the inspection.

The business will need to improve certain areas to then qualify for a pass.

Fife came 7th in the hygiene league table out of 32 local authorities.

A total of 1425 businesses were inspected in the Kingdom and the pass rate was 97.05 per cent.

This was well above Edinburgh, Glasgow and at the bottom of the table the Shetland Islands with a pass rate of under 75 per cent.

The full table:

1 South Ayrshire 99.81% 527 businesses
2 Renfrewshire 99.36% 626
3 Orkney Islands 98.17% 164
4 Falkirk 97.89% 475
5 West Lothian 97.55% 367
6 Perth and Kinross 97.11% 588
7 Fife 97.05% 1425
8 East Renfrewshire 96.32% 190
9 East Ayrshire 96.19% 446
10 East Lothian 96.09% 358
11 East Dunbartonshire 95.47% 243
12 Angus 95.24% 420
13 Dumfries and Galloway 95.10% 776
14 Comhairle nan Eilean Siar (Western Isles) 95.03% 161
15 North Ayrshire 94.50% 527
16 West Dunbartonshire 94.37% 302
17 North Lanarkshire 93.61% 955
18 Argyll and Bute 93.13% 524
19 Scottish Borders 92.99% 585
20 Moray 92.92% 367
21 Inverclyde 92.03% 251
22 Stirling 91.97% 473
23 Midlothian 91.47% 258
24 Clackmannanshire 90.59% 170
25 Edinburgh (City of) 90.31% 2953
26 Dundee City 89.34% 666
27 Glasgow City 89.29% 2530
28 Aberdeenshire 87.79% 475
29 South Lanarkshire 85.70% 1161
30 Aberdeen City 80.92% 1022
31 Highland 77.84% 889
32 Shetland Islands 74.71% 87

12/07/2024

CAN'T-SPEAK-ENGLISH DRINK-DRIVER TOLD POLICE TO 'F*** OFF'

A drink-driver, who had been involved in a collision after leaving a bar in Dunfermline, refused to take a breath test.

Maxim Cebanu, who claims to speak little English, told officers to “f*** off” when asked to take the test..

Cebanu, 30, of Brucefield Avenue, Dunfermline, has now been handed a ban.

He appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court with a Russian translator and admitted that on 25th May at Dunfermline police station, he failed to provide breath samples as required.

Depute fiscal Azrah Yousaf said that at just after midnight there had been a minor collision between two vehicles in the Glen Bridge car park.

Construction worker Cebanu was one of the drivers involved. The other driver was a woman who spoke to Cebanu, could smell alcohol from him and so phoned the police.

When officers arrived, Cebanu was arrested and taken to Dunfermline police station where he refused to provide samples for a breath test.

“He said he wasn’t going to do it and told officers to f*** off,” added the depute.

Defence solicitor Alan Davie said, “On the night in question he had been with his partner and a friend. He had been drinking and made the stupid decision to drive a short distance from a bar to a disco.”

Sheriff David Hall banned Cebanu from driving for a year and fined him £420.

11/07/2024

ROADWORKS FIASCO: 'BUSINESS AS USUAL' CLAIMS COUNCIL

It's "business as usual" for firms caught up in the ongoing Dunfermline roadworks saga, says Fife Council.

That may come as a surprise to those such as the Brig take-away, where the owner says they have lost half of their custom in recent weeks and may have to cut back staff.

There have been long tailbacks for weeks causing many locals to avoid the area altogether.

10/07/2024

Drugs raids have been carried out in Kirkcaldy resulting in five arrests.

Warrants were executed yesterday at properties on Commercial Street and Melrose Crescent, where Class A and B drugs were seized along with around £20,000 cash.

The drugs were worth a four-figure sum.

Police say, "Officers from Kirkcaldy Community Investigations Unit led on a day of action following reports of violence, disorder, anti-social behaviour and drug-related criminality in the town."

Two men, aged 28 and 64, and three women, aged 20, 29 and 58, were arrested and charged in connection with drugs offences. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal.

08/07/2024

SAILOR'S 'HORRIFIC' INJURIES AFTER BEING GLASSED BY SHIPMATE IN FIFE BAR

A feud between shipmates on an aircraft carrier erupted in a Dunfermline pub.

A Royal Navy serviceman, whose ship was berthed at Rosyth, glassed one of his crewmates in the face causing “horrific” injuries.

The attacker was 24-year-old Kyle Lund, who has appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court for sentencing.

Lund, of Hodroyd Cottages, Barnsley, admitted that on 7th December 2022 at Somewhere Else, Guildhall Street, he assaulted a man by attempting to punch him on the head and struck him on the head with a glass to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

The victim needed stitches to a wound near his eye and was left scarred.

The court heard that Lund was employed by the Royal Navy at the time of the offence and was stationed on the HMS Prince of Wales.

The victim is also in the Navy and also stationed on the aircraft carrier, which was docked at Rosyth to undergo repairs.

The pair worked in different parts of the ship and both were out socialising in Dunfermline on Christmas night outs in separate groups.

There was simmering bad feeling between two groups of the ship, the court heard.

The incident was captured on the pub’s CCTV system.

Sheriff John MacRitchie previously viewed photographs of the injuries and said they were “quite horrific”.

At sentencing, defence solicitor Lee Qmsieh said his client has been in the Royal Navy for six years and works as a marine engineer.

He was serving on the HMS Prince of Wales at the time but has since moved to a new job within the navy.

He went on, “There was some sort of altercation or tension between two groups from the same ship and it seems to have come to a head on this occasion.”

He added that his client had been threatened about something that would happen to him later that night.

The solicitor handed the sheriff a reference from Lund’s boss in the navy.

Sheriff Krista Johnston said that according to the reference, Lund was “a young man of great promise”.

She imposed a community payback order with two years of supervision and 220 hours of unpaid work, which will be done in Portsmouth where he is based.

05/07/2024

Watch out if you're going for a walk on the coast this weekend. There have been several reports of Lion's Mane jellyfish being washed up on Fife beaches.

This one was on Black Sands Beach, Aberdour and others have been seen at Leven and Lundin Links.

They can still give a nasty sting from their tentacles when they have been washed up warns the Fife Coast and Countryside Trust.

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