Unpaid work for Forfar man after double dust-up with landlord

A Forfar man who launched a second assault on a landlord minutes after being thrown out of his pub has avoided going behind bars.

Lee Hogg lashed out at Forfar’s Thistle Bar owner Brian Cowie after a bust-up with drinkers in the East High Street pub on August 19.

The 27-year-old was dragged away by a friend but 10 minutes later returned to assault Mr Cowie again.

Forfar Sheriff Court heard Hogg went into the pub shortly before 5.30pm and began drinking but was told to leave 10 minutes later for arguing.

He refused to leave and pushed the owner on the body and attempted to punch him before being dragged outside.

The landlord then saw Hogg in the passenger seat of a passing car before the accused got out and pushed Mr Cowie through the pub door.

As the victim got to his feet he was punched to the head before the accused was restrained.

Hogg was arrested but then delivered a barrage of abusive comments to police both on the way to Dundee and at their headquarters.

Hogg, of Muir Street, Forfar, admitted assaulting Mr Cowie and behaving in a threatening manner.

His solicitor Anne Duffy said: “He got drunk and committed these offences.

“This happened shortly after the imposition of a community payback order and he knows he has placed his liberty in jeopardy.”

Hogg was ordered to carry out 100 hours unpaid work.

Sheriff Gregor Murray said: “Had it not been for the good progress you have made on a high tariff deferred sentence you would have been going to jail.”