Teen's sight damaged in street attack

A TEENAGER'S sight was damaged after a piece of glass entered his eye when he was punched in an unprovoked attack, a court has heard.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Ross Murray, 17, had left the Hive nightclub on the city's Niddry Street and was texting when he was assaulted. Mr Murray was wearing glasses and they smashed, causing a piece to puncture his eyeball.

Stephen Anderson, 20, of Edinburgh Prison, admitted carrying out the attack on Boxing Day last year.

Fiscal depute Pauline Shade said it will take around a year before the consultant can tell to what extent Mr Murray's vision is damaged. He may require further surgery. She added that Mr Murray had developed a cataract as a result of his injury.

Mr Murray was released from hospital on December 29 when the matter was reported to police. Anderson was identified from photographs taken of him as part of the promotional event at the nightclub.

Sheriff Isabella McColl deferred the case for background reports.