Andrew Clark, 32, receives prison time for assaults while claiming to be a black belt.
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Thug sentenced for violent assaults in Elgin, claims kickboxing expertise
In a shocking display of aggression, Andrew Clark, a 32-year-old man from Elgin, was sentenced for multiple violent assaults, during which he boasted about his supposed black belt in kickboxing.
The incidents, which occurred on separate occasions, have raised concerns about public safety and the consequences of unchecked aggression.
Details of the assaults
Clark’s violent behavior came to light during a sentencing hearing at Elgin Sheriff Court, where he appeared via video link.
The fiscal depute, Shay Treanor, detailed two separate assaults that took place in March and December of the previous year. The first incident occurred on March 29 at Budgens Service Station, where Clark entered with an associate who was upset about a grocery order. After being informed that the issue could not be resolved immediately, Clark became enraged, claiming to be a black belt kickboxer. He then assumed a fighting stance and punched the shopkeeper, causing visible injuries including bruising and a superficial cut.
Escalation of violence
The second assault took place on December 13 outside the Ionic Bar on High Street, where Clark targeted a woman. Witnesses reported an argument between the two, leading to Clark pushing the woman to the ground and restraining her when she attempted to defend herself. This altercation resulted in the victim suffering grazes to her temple and cheekbone. Police were alerted to the situation and found Clark intoxicated at the scene, where he displayed aggressive behavior towards the officers, using derogatory language.
Legal repercussions and courtroom behavior
During the hearing, Clark attempted to defend his actions, repeatedly claiming he was the one who had been attacked. His interruptions prompted laughter from the gallery, as Sheriff David Harvie reminded him of his guilty plea. The sheriff questioned Clark’s reasoning behind his violent actions, particularly his claim of being a martial arts expert while assaulting a shopkeeper at work. Ultimately, Clark was sentenced to six weeks in prison for violating a community payback order, along with three months for each of the assaults, to be served consecutively.
This case highlights the serious issue of violence in public spaces and the need for accountability. Clark’s claims of martial arts expertise, whether true or not, do not excuse his aggressive behavior. The community of Elgin is left to grapple with the implications of such violence, as the legal system seeks to address these troubling incidents.
