Victim's sight damaged in player attack

A YOUNG amateur footballer who launched an unprovoked attack on a teenager, leaving him with damage to his sight, has been ordered to carry out community service.

Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard Ross Murray, 17, had left the Hive Nightclub at Niddry Street, and was busy texting when he was assaulted.

Mr Murray was wearing glasses at the time and they smashed, causing a piece of glass to puncture his eyeball.

Stephen Anderson, 20, described as being of Edinburgh Prison, admitted carrying out the attack on Boxing Day last year and was yesterday put on probation for a year and ordered to carry out 225 hours of community service.

The court heard Mr Murray had to undergo surgery and had stitches to the cornea in an attempt to repair the damage. His eye is now 75 per cent normal but he may require further surgery.

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

Defence agent Fiona Cooper presented a letter of reference to the court from Hutchison Vale Football Club, where Anderson had played.