A supermarket worker has been ordered to pay compensation to a drag queen he attacked during a night out. Darren Davidson threw a drink at Liam Clarke - who performs as 'Saturn' - before punching him in the head in a row over wearing a mask.
Mr Clarke had spent the evening taking part in a virtual show at Dundee University students' union, alongside RuPaul's Drag Race contestant Ellie Diamond. Dundee Sheriff Court was told that Davidson, 49, had become angry when he was asked to wear a mask during the coronavirus pandemic in May 2021.
Mr Clarke was among a group of people outside the Kandy Bar - formerly Klozet - in Dundee, when Davidson threw a drink over him and then punched him.
Fiscal depute Kate Scarborough told the court: "The incident occurred at around 10.15pm at Kandy Bar, Seagate. The accused was there with a number of other witnesses.
"He approached a group and began to make conversation. This was during the pandemic, when facemasks were required and requested.
"The group of witnesses were upset Davidson was not wearing a face covering. They asked him to leave which caused an argument. The accused threw a drink over Liam Clarke. He returned to his table inside.
"The group approached the accused, unhappy about the drink-throwing incident. A further argument ensued. Davidson ran back to the witnesses and punched Liam Clarke to the face.
"No medical treatment was required but there was a red mark," she told the court.
Solicitor David Duncan, defending, said: "His recollection is that on being asked to leave, it was in an unpleasant manner. He accepts he did not deal with the matter proportionately. It was over a year ago. He is in full-time employment. He has pleaded guilty from the outset."
Sheriff Paul Brown fined Davidson £220 and ordered him to pay Mr Clarke £150 compensation.
After the attack, Mr Clarke posted on social media: "I'm actually pretty shaken. The guy was lifted and I spent a lot of time talking to the police.
"My jaw really hurts. Spent the day sleeping it off. Big love to my queer brothers and sisters who were there last night too, who also had to deal with that man's BS and transphobia."
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .
