A Scots dad attacked his pal after spilling gin on a pool table inside the victim’s new ‘man cave’.
David Fraser, who helped his friend build the back garden retreat, laid into him after a row erupted during a party.
The 51-year-old punched Darren Coyle in the face during the argument after being asked to foot the bill for the damage.
Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard how Darren’s summer house in Loanhead, Midlothian, had been kitted out with a bar and pool table to host gatherings.
Fraser appeared at the court on Friday and admitted a charge of assaulting Darren, leaving him with a black eye.
Fiscal depute Morgan Beattie said Darren had invited friends, including Fraser, round for 5.30pm.
Ms Beattie said it was about 8pm when Darren returned from the bathroom to find Fraser had spilled alcohol.
The prosecutor told how Darren said the “pool table would need to be replaced” and Fraser was “derisive” about that.
She said: “Mr Coyle told the accused he was serious and he would have to pay for the damage.”
The court heard Fraser accused Darren of “trying to rip him off” and punched him to his left cheek.
Defence agent Steven Donald said the “reasonably-sized” summer house had been decked out “during covid” and his client, who is a plasterer, helped with the work.
Mr Donald said Fraser had been invited to a party there on May 22 last year.
The solicitor said the argument broke out after Fraser showed “insufficient contrition for accidentally spilling gin on the pool table”.
Mr Donald said Darren was described as being “in Mr Fraser’s face, saying he had to pay for it”.
He acknowledged Fraser “lost his temper” and struck Darren but “thankfully they are still friends” and there is “no bad blood”.
Sheriff Kenneth Campbell QC fined Fraser, of Penicuik, Midlothian, £260.
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