A Perth resident is confronting the prospect of a significant custodial sentence after admitting to a brutal assault involving a glass bottle outside a popular city eatery. The incident, which unfolded on the evening of September 21 last year, was starkly captured on video by a young bystander, vividly depicting the alarming escalation of violence in a public space.
The disturbing footage presented to Perth Sheriff Court illustrated the chaotic scene outside the New Diamond takeaway, situated at the busy intersection of Rannoch Road and Marlee Road. What began as a verbal altercation quickly descended into a physical confrontation, drawing onlookers whose initial amusement soon gave way to shock and concern as the violence intensified.
The accused, Samantha Ritchie, aged 50, pleaded guilty to charges of severe injury and permanent disfigurement. The court heard how the 39-year-old victim had been on her way home after purchasing a bottle of wine from the nearby Co-op on Rannoch Road when she unexpectedly encountered Ms. Ritchie. The precise cause of the initial dispute remains unclear, but the confrontation rapidly spiraled out of control.
The compelling mobile phone video, a key piece of evidence, graphically showed Ms. Ritchie repeatedly punching her victim in the face. More alarmingly, she was seen striking the woman multiple times with a glass bottle, which shattered during the attack. The violent outburst continued with Ms. Ritchie pulling the victim’s hair and forcing her head against the pavement on more than one occasion. The audio from the video captured the chilling sound of breaking glass, prompting alarmed shouts from witnesses urging the combatants to cease the attack. The gravity of the situation was underscored by exclamations like, “You just f***ing hit her with a bottle, man,” indicating the severity of the blow.
The harrowing scene was only brought to an end with the timely arrival of a police van, which reversed into view, enabling officers to intervene and de-escalate the volatile situation. The victim sustained various injuries, including cuts and scratches to her face and head, with deeper lacerations to her left forearm that are expected to result in permanent scarring. This lasting physical reminder highlights the profound impact of such acts of public violence.
During the court proceedings, defence solicitor Lyndsey Barber acknowledged the undeniable nature of the evidence, stating that, given what was shown in the video, any special defence was unrealistic. Ms. Barber highlighted that while there was an element of mutual involvement at the outset, her client fully accepted accountability for the severe escalation of the assault, particularly through the use of the bottle. She also informed the court that Ms. Ritchie has been proactively engaging with alcohol and drug support services, demonstrating efforts towards addressing underlying issues.
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, in her judicial address, made it clear that she viewed the incident with extreme seriousness. She described the recorded events as a “dreadful assault,” emphasizing that it was “completely avoidable” and that Ms. Ritchie had “escalated the behaviour involved quite substantially.” The Sheriff underscored the severe nature of the charges and the potential consequences, issuing a stark warning about a possible custodial sentence. While Ms. Ritchie’s bail was continued, the Sheriff cautioned that this was a privilege that might not be extended again, and should not be interpreted as any indication of the final outcome of the sentencing. The community of Perth and Kinross awaits the court’s ultimate decision, which will undoubtedly reflect the serious repercussions of such public disturbances and the importance of maintaining peace and order in local neighbourhoods.
The disturbing footage presented to Perth Sheriff Court illustrated the chaotic scene outside the New Diamond takeaway, situated at the busy intersection of Rannoch Road and Marlee Road. What began as a verbal altercation quickly descended into a physical confrontation, drawing onlookers whose initial amusement soon gave way to shock and concern as the violence intensified.
The accused, Samantha Ritchie, aged 50, pleaded guilty to charges of severe injury and permanent disfigurement. The court heard how the 39-year-old victim had been on her way home after purchasing a bottle of wine from the nearby Co-op on Rannoch Road when she unexpectedly encountered Ms. Ritchie. The precise cause of the initial dispute remains unclear, but the confrontation rapidly spiraled out of control.
The compelling mobile phone video, a key piece of evidence, graphically showed Ms. Ritchie repeatedly punching her victim in the face. More alarmingly, she was seen striking the woman multiple times with a glass bottle, which shattered during the attack. The violent outburst continued with Ms. Ritchie pulling the victim’s hair and forcing her head against the pavement on more than one occasion. The audio from the video captured the chilling sound of breaking glass, prompting alarmed shouts from witnesses urging the combatants to cease the attack. The gravity of the situation was underscored by exclamations like, “You just f***ing hit her with a bottle, man,” indicating the severity of the blow.
The harrowing scene was only brought to an end with the timely arrival of a police van, which reversed into view, enabling officers to intervene and de-escalate the volatile situation. The victim sustained various injuries, including cuts and scratches to her face and head, with deeper lacerations to her left forearm that are expected to result in permanent scarring. This lasting physical reminder highlights the profound impact of such acts of public violence.
During the court proceedings, defence solicitor Lyndsey Barber acknowledged the undeniable nature of the evidence, stating that, given what was shown in the video, any special defence was unrealistic. Ms. Barber highlighted that while there was an element of mutual involvement at the outset, her client fully accepted accountability for the severe escalation of the assault, particularly through the use of the bottle. She also informed the court that Ms. Ritchie has been proactively engaging with alcohol and drug support services, demonstrating efforts towards addressing underlying issues.
Sheriff Jennifer Bain KC, in her judicial address, made it clear that she viewed the incident with extreme seriousness. She described the recorded events as a “dreadful assault,” emphasizing that it was “completely avoidable” and that Ms. Ritchie had “escalated the behaviour involved quite substantially.” The Sheriff underscored the severe nature of the charges and the potential consequences, issuing a stark warning about a possible custodial sentence. While Ms. Ritchie’s bail was continued, the Sheriff cautioned that this was a privilege that might not be extended again, and should not be interpreted as any indication of the final outcome of the sentencing. The community of Perth and Kinross awaits the court’s ultimate decision, which will undoubtedly reflect the serious repercussions of such public disturbances and the importance of maintaining peace and order in local neighbourhoods.