Scots rock star beat up nightclubber

A MEMBER of Scottish band The View has been fined £900 for a "reprehensible, nasty attack" on another man in a row over a woman.

Steven Morrison, the group's drummer, landed a succession of punches on Craig Cairnie near Fat Sams nightclub in Dundee.

Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told him: "This really was a nasty assault."

She imposed the fine after hearing what Morrison earned as The View's drummer, but she said: "I find it quite difficult to believe that he earns only 300 a week."

Dundee Sheriff Court heard the victim had been involved in a row with Morrison's co- accused, Bryan Murphy, over Mr Cairnie's former girlfriend.

At about 2:50am outside the club, the row became violent when Morrison started to rain down blows on Mr Cairnie's head and body. Murphy, a chef, then joined in, leaving their victim requiring hospital treatment.

Morrison attempted to flee the scene but was apprehended by police a short distance away.

Laura Bruce, prosecuting, told the court Mr Cairnie was taken to hospital with swelling and a cut on his forehead and a 2cm cut to his ear that had to be glued.

She went on: "There had been bad feeling between the complainer and Mr Murphy regarding the complainer's ex-girlfriend. An argument broke out … Mr Morrison then punched the complainer repeatedly.

"The rest of the group tried to intervene and stop them but Mr Murphy joined him and repeatedly punched the complainer to the head.

"The complainer tried to defend himself but ended up on the ground bleeding from several facial injuries."

Morrison, 24, of Donald Gardens, and Murphy, 26, of Dundonald Street, both Dundee, pleaded guilty to the assault on 25 October last year.

Gary McIlravey, defending the drummer, said: "Mr Morrison's recollection is blurred by alcohol. He is somewhat appalled by his own behaviour."

Sheriff Munro said Morrison would have been fined 1,200 but reduced that to 900 because of his early guilty plea.

She said: "This really was a nasty assault and obviously drink was involved but that is no excuse. It seems from the information that you were rather more reprehensible in your behaviour than your co-accused."

Sentence on Murphy was deferred until May.

Morrison declined to comment outside court.

The View, who hit No 3 in the UK with Same Jeans in 2007, are going on a UK tour next month. They also plan to hit the US after the lifting of a travel ban imposed on lead singer Kyle Falconer after he was convicted in 2007 of cocaine possession.