Two Perth men, Regan Mills and Declan Buchanan, have received community service orders and compensation requirements for their involvement in a serious assault on Ugur Argavan in Perth city centre on January 7, 2022. Sheriff William Wood, presiding over the case at Perth Sheriff Court, attributed the leniency of the sentence to the fact that both individuals were minors, aged 16, when the offense occurred.
The attack, which took place on King Street, involved Mills, Buchanan, and two other unidentified individuals. The group repeatedly punched and kicked Mr. Argavan, ultimately knocking him unconscious. Shockingly, the assault continued even after the victim was on the ground and unresponsive, with Buchanan and Mills stamping on his head. The incident left Mr. Argavan with significant injuries, including broken teeth, a blood clot in his eye, a broken nose, and extensive bruising across his body. Sentencing Guidelines Prioritize Rehabilitation for Young Offenders
Sheriff Wood explained that the sentencing decision was heavily influenced by the Scottish Sentencing Council guidelines, which emphasize rehabilitation for young people who commit offenses. While acknowledging the severity of the assault and the potential for a custodial sentence, Sheriff Wood emphasized the need to consider the age of the offenders at the time. He directly referenced the Scottish Sentencing Council’s guidelines which state: “The guideline reflects the particular circumstances of children and young people and their capacity for change and rehabilitation.”
Both Mills and Buchanan were ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation to Mr. Argavan. Additionally, Buchanan received 150 hours of unpaid work, while Mills was sentenced to 120 hours. Both were also given a six-month restriction of liberty order, equivalent to a curfew. Sheriff Wood addressed Buchanan directly, noting his role as the instigator of the assault and his pursuit of the victim prior to the physical attack. He further highlighted the traumatic nature of the event for Mr. Argavan, who was alone in a foreign country and unable to speak the local language. Racial Abuse Preceded Brutal Attack
The court heard details of the events leading up to the attack from Fiscal Depute Stephanie Paterson. Mr. Argavan and two companions, having spent the evening at a local establishment, were en route to the bus station when they encountered Buchanan. Buchanan repeatedly used racial slurs towards Mr. Argavan and attempted to obtain cigarettes from him. The verbal abuse escalated into threats of violence, culminating in the physical assault described above. Witnesses who observed the attack from a nearby window corroborated the prosecution’s account, stating they saw four men punching, kicking, and stamping on Mr. Argavan’s head and face.
The incident concluded when a passing motorist intervened, prompting the attackers to flee. Mills and one other individual briefly returned to the scene to inquire about Mr. Argavan’s condition before leaving again. Upon arrival, police found the victim unconscious on the ground, being assisted by members of the public. Witness testimony led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Mills and Buchanan.
This case underscores the complexities of youth justice, balancing the need for consequences with the principles of rehabilitation. The long-term impact of the attack on Mr. Argavan and the potential for rehabilitation for Mills and Buchanan remain to be seen.
The attack, which took place on King Street, involved Mills, Buchanan, and two other unidentified individuals. The group repeatedly punched and kicked Mr. Argavan, ultimately knocking him unconscious. Shockingly, the assault continued even after the victim was on the ground and unresponsive, with Buchanan and Mills stamping on his head. The incident left Mr. Argavan with significant injuries, including broken teeth, a blood clot in his eye, a broken nose, and extensive bruising across his body. Sentencing Guidelines Prioritize Rehabilitation for Young Offenders
Sheriff Wood explained that the sentencing decision was heavily influenced by the Scottish Sentencing Council guidelines, which emphasize rehabilitation for young people who commit offenses. While acknowledging the severity of the assault and the potential for a custodial sentence, Sheriff Wood emphasized the need to consider the age of the offenders at the time. He directly referenced the Scottish Sentencing Council’s guidelines which state: “The guideline reflects the particular circumstances of children and young people and their capacity for change and rehabilitation.”
Both Mills and Buchanan were ordered to pay £2,500 in compensation to Mr. Argavan. Additionally, Buchanan received 150 hours of unpaid work, while Mills was sentenced to 120 hours. Both were also given a six-month restriction of liberty order, equivalent to a curfew. Sheriff Wood addressed Buchanan directly, noting his role as the instigator of the assault and his pursuit of the victim prior to the physical attack. He further highlighted the traumatic nature of the event for Mr. Argavan, who was alone in a foreign country and unable to speak the local language. Racial Abuse Preceded Brutal Attack
The court heard details of the events leading up to the attack from Fiscal Depute Stephanie Paterson. Mr. Argavan and two companions, having spent the evening at a local establishment, were en route to the bus station when they encountered Buchanan. Buchanan repeatedly used racial slurs towards Mr. Argavan and attempted to obtain cigarettes from him. The verbal abuse escalated into threats of violence, culminating in the physical assault described above. Witnesses who observed the attack from a nearby window corroborated the prosecution’s account, stating they saw four men punching, kicking, and stamping on Mr. Argavan’s head and face.
The incident concluded when a passing motorist intervened, prompting the attackers to flee. Mills and one other individual briefly returned to the scene to inquire about Mr. Argavan’s condition before leaving again. Upon arrival, police found the victim unconscious on the ground, being assisted by members of the public. Witness testimony led to the identification and subsequent arrest of Mills and Buchanan.
This case underscores the complexities of youth justice, balancing the need for consequences with the principles of rehabilitation. The long-term impact of the attack on Mr. Argavan and the potential for rehabilitation for Mills and Buchanan remain to be seen.