A Crieff war veteran who left a man permanently scarred after a single, powerful blow during a street altercation has been directed by a local sheriff to provide financial recompense to his victim. The court proceedings also included a strong recommendation for the veteran to engage with ex-forces charities to address underlying trauma, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Alistair Sinclair, aged 39, found himself before Perth Sheriff Court after an incident on May 7, 2023. The Celtic fan had been out celebrating his team’s league title success when he became embroiled in a dispute. This altercation, which began in the Pretoria Bar in Crieff with the victim’s father, escalated into a physical confrontation on the street. The court heard compelling evidence, including identification by an entirely independent witness, which led to Sinclair’s conviction for the assault.
The impact of Sinclair’s actions was significant, resulting in a one-inch laceration above the victim’s right ear. This injury required treatment with medical glue, leaving a lasting scar. The severity of the outcome underscored the gravity of the singular strike. Addressing Deep-Rooted Issues
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Sinclair had a complex personal history, having been medically discharged from the army after four years of service, which included a tour in Iraq. Initially misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, his true affliction was later identified as PTSD. His defence agent, David Holmes, highlighted these ‘complex problems’ as a significant factor in his life.
Sheriff William Wood, presiding over the case, took a proactive stance, directly inquiring if Sinclair had sought assistance from Combat Stress, a charity renowned for offering therapeutic support to veterans struggling with mental health challenges. Sinclair informed the court that he had been advised to cease taking Valium before he could be admitted for treatment by the organisation.
The Sheriff emphasised the value of such resources, remarking on Combat Stress as ‘a good organisation with good facilities.’ He stressed that for the services to be truly effective, Sinclair would first need to ‘take control of himself,’ suggesting that the charity could be instrumental in addressing his underlying issues and helping to ‘stop flashbacks from continuing.’ Consequences and Call for Self-Improvement
In his sentencing, Sheriff Wood made it clear that the unprovoked nature of the assault, as Sinclair waited for the complainer’s father following the earlier pub argument, was ‘not really acceptable.’ He placed Sinclair on a supervision order and mandated him to pay £500 in compensation to his victim, acknowledging the physical and emotional harm inflicted.
Further compounding his legal troubles, Sinclair, of Kincardine Road, Crieff, received an additional 18-month supervision order for a separate incident. This occurred on December 12 of the previous year at St Johnstoun Buildings on Charles Street in Perth, where he was found to have threatened a woman at her residence, shouting remarks such as: ‘Open it up or I will break it down.’ This second conviction further illustrates the broader challenges Sinclair is facing.
This case serves as a stark reminder within the Perthshire community of the ongoing struggles faced by some veterans and the importance of accessible mental health support. Local authorities and community groups often work to signpost individuals towards organisations like Combat Stress, hoping to provide a pathway to recovery and prevent further incidents. The Combat Stress free helpline is available 24/7 at 0800 138 1619 for those in need of immediate support.
Alistair Sinclair, aged 39, found himself before Perth Sheriff Court after an incident on May 7, 2023. The Celtic fan had been out celebrating his team’s league title success when he became embroiled in a dispute. This altercation, which began in the Pretoria Bar in Crieff with the victim’s father, escalated into a physical confrontation on the street. The court heard compelling evidence, including identification by an entirely independent witness, which led to Sinclair’s conviction for the assault.
The impact of Sinclair’s actions was significant, resulting in a one-inch laceration above the victim’s right ear. This injury required treatment with medical glue, leaving a lasting scar. The severity of the outcome underscored the gravity of the singular strike. Addressing Deep-Rooted Issues
During the proceedings, it was revealed that Sinclair had a complex personal history, having been medically discharged from the army after four years of service, which included a tour in Iraq. Initially misdiagnosed with schizophrenia, his true affliction was later identified as PTSD. His defence agent, David Holmes, highlighted these ‘complex problems’ as a significant factor in his life.
Sheriff William Wood, presiding over the case, took a proactive stance, directly inquiring if Sinclair had sought assistance from Combat Stress, a charity renowned for offering therapeutic support to veterans struggling with mental health challenges. Sinclair informed the court that he had been advised to cease taking Valium before he could be admitted for treatment by the organisation.
The Sheriff emphasised the value of such resources, remarking on Combat Stress as ‘a good organisation with good facilities.’ He stressed that for the services to be truly effective, Sinclair would first need to ‘take control of himself,’ suggesting that the charity could be instrumental in addressing his underlying issues and helping to ‘stop flashbacks from continuing.’ Consequences and Call for Self-Improvement
In his sentencing, Sheriff Wood made it clear that the unprovoked nature of the assault, as Sinclair waited for the complainer’s father following the earlier pub argument, was ‘not really acceptable.’ He placed Sinclair on a supervision order and mandated him to pay £500 in compensation to his victim, acknowledging the physical and emotional harm inflicted.
Further compounding his legal troubles, Sinclair, of Kincardine Road, Crieff, received an additional 18-month supervision order for a separate incident. This occurred on December 12 of the previous year at St Johnstoun Buildings on Charles Street in Perth, where he was found to have threatened a woman at her residence, shouting remarks such as: ‘Open it up or I will break it down.’ This second conviction further illustrates the broader challenges Sinclair is facing.
This case serves as a stark reminder within the Perthshire community of the ongoing struggles faced by some veterans and the importance of accessible mental health support. Local authorities and community groups often work to signpost individuals towards organisations like Combat Stress, hoping to provide a pathway to recovery and prevent further incidents. The Combat Stress free helpline is available 24/7 at 0800 138 1619 for those in need of immediate support.