Attacker facing £5,000 compensation order for dental surgery

Tuesday 06 June 2023

The sentencing of a man who attacked another man in town has been postponed, so it can be established whether he knocked one of the victim's teeth out or two.

Appearing in the Magistrate's Court on Monday, Cameron Naismith Smith (21) pleaded guilty to grave and criminal assault.

The court was told that the victim had at least one of his teeth knocked out when Smith punched him in the face. Crown Advocate Lauren Taylor, prosecuting, said the victim had experienced problems eating as a result of the attack.

But it also heard that he may have lost a second tooth after the assault. If so, then Smith could be ordered to pay more than £5,000 towards the victim’s dental surgery.

Advocate Taylor said the assault took place at around 14:00 in Gloucester Street on 12 March.

CCTV footage was shown in court in which Smith punched the victim, knocking him to the ground, and then kicked him in the back and neck.

Advocate Taylor said Smith had attacked the other man because he had shown an interest in Smith’s then-girlfriend.

The dental damage was caused by the initial punch. She said: "The complainant needs significant dental work and has had two false teeth fitted. It has affected the way he eats."

Advocate Greg Herold-Howes, defending, said the attack had been "spur of the moment" and added: "He did not plan the assault.

"When he saw the other man his anger clouded his judgement."

He also pointed out that Smith had no previous convictions for violent offending.

He conceded that Smith had breached a community service order imposed five years ago by the Youth Court for a motoring offence, although the order was later completed.

Advocate Herold-Howes said: "Mr Smith was a much younger man and he has moved on from that. He is finding his feet and has a growing sense of responsibility as he matures."

Assistant Magistrate Peter Harris said he was unwilling to pass sentence and decide how much Smith should pay until he knew precisely whether the victim had lost one tooth or two.

The court expects to receive a letter from a dentist later this week. Smith was released on bail until Friday.