Forres man jailed after unprovoked drunken attack on friend
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A FORRES man with alcohol and drug abuse issues asked the Sheriff to be jailed so that he could receive prison support services.
John Farquhar (27) of Califer Road appeared by video link at Inverness Sheriff Court after his sentence was previously deferred for a background report.
Farquhar admitted two assaults on November 2, 2020 in a house on North Road, Forres.
The court was told that he attacked a friend after a day of drinking, listening to music and playing video games.
Farquhar unleashed several unprovoked punches and kicks to the body on his pal, leaving him with a bleeding nose.
Police were then called but when officers tried to handcuff Farquhar, he attempted to kick them and spat twice at one constable.
His lawyer, Matthew O'Neill told Sheriff Margaret Neilson that he was in the unusual position of having to ask for jail sentence because he had been instructed to do so by his client.
Mr O'Neill said: "The reason he has asked for a custodial sentence is that the last number of months have become chaotic for him. He was going backwards after having made some progress in his life.
"While on remand he has been making use of the support services. His recollection of what took place is nil due to his difficulties with substances."
Sheriff Neilson jailed Farquhar for a year, backdated to January 20, when he was remanded in custody for failing to appear for a social work appointment to prepare the report previously called for.
