A fisherman who attacked two men, leaving one unconscious and breaking his collarbone, must pay £3,500 compensation.

Connor Millar, 26, was also ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work and undergo 18 months of supervision when he appeared at Lerwick Sheriff Court for sentencing today (Wednesday).

The court heard Millar had been in Trench Bar with two old school friends on December 30 last year when he said something “jokingly” to a woman, prompting one of the complainants to challenge him.

Millar, of Hoofields in the city, grabbed the man by his clothes, threw him to the ground and punched him repeatedly, causing injuries.

When another man tried to intervene, Millar knocked him out and broke his collarbone.

Defense agent Paul Barnett acknowledged his client’s two previous assault convictions would be cause for concern, but said his last offense occurred when he was 19.

Barnett described his client as a “hard-working young man” who made a good living as a fisherman.

The Millar’s skipper provided the court with a reference indicating that he was a well-regarded member of the crew.

Barnett said Millar noted that a report prepared for the hearing indicated his client was regretful and embarrassed about returning to court.

He said his client asked to reiterate his “regret” for what happened and the injuries he inflicted, particularly to the man whose collarbone was broken.

The lawyer said Millar did not usually drink, but did drink on the night in question, which meant his memory was “less than perfect”.

From what he remembers, he stated that the comment to the woman was made as a “joke,” although he accepts that “it was not well received.”

“The plaintiff has questioned him about the comments and things seem to have gotten worse from there,” he said.

Barnett said Millar acknowledged what happened was “completely unacceptable,” adding that “he should be old enough to know better.”

He noted that the report had identified Millar as being at “low risk” of reoffending.

Sheriff Ian Cruickshank ordered Millar to pay compensation of £750 to the first complainant and £2,750 to the second.

He said it was imposed as an alternative to the custody provision.