Lecturer blinded in one eye after music festival attack

Two men who left a university lecturer blind in one eye after an attack at a music festival have been jailed for a total of 10 years.

Patrick Kerr, 33, and Simon Tierney, 38, attacked Antonio Grant, 53, at the Rewind Festival at Scone Palace in Perthshire in July 2023.

Mr Grant suffered extensive facial injuries and needed a metal plate inserted in his jaw following the assault.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Kerr was jailed for five-and-a-half years, while Tierney was jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Mr Grant had been at the festival with his family.

The lecturer did not know the pair, but had "polite" conversations with them.

He was attacked after walking away from Tierney, who became "aggressive" when Mr Grant refused his offer of a chip, the court heard.

The victim was punched on the head and knocked to the ground before being repeatedly punched and kicked.

He suffered the permanent loss of vision in his right eye, which may need to be removed.

Mr Grant also required extensive dental work for six broken teeth.

Sentencing Kerr and Tierney, Lord Renucci said they had carried out a "brutal, cowardly alcohol-fuelled attack on a vulnerable victim".

He added: "The impact and consequences of your actions have been shattering to him and will be lifelong."

Tierney and Kerr had earlier separately admitted to assaulting Mr Grant to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment.

The pair, both of Glenrothes, Fife, will be supervised for a further two years on their release.

A non-harassment order was also imposed banning them from approaching or contacting the victim for an indefinite period.