The disabled Raith Rovers who was set upon by a gang of thugs has shared a heartbreaking victim impact statement.
Ex-soldier Mackenzie King, 21, and 18-year-old Callum Beautyman were convicted at Dunfermline Sheriff Court yesterday, Wednesday, January 15, following the attack on Kieren Ross, 18 at rivals Dunfermline Athletic’s East End Park last January.
King, of Oakley – who was medically discharged from the Army – was given 240 hours of unpaid work as part of a Community Payback Order.
Beautyman, of Kelty, was handed an eight-month Restriction of Liberty Order, which means he will be electronically tagged to enforce a night-time curfew.
Callum Beautyman.
(Image: Supplied)
Mackenzie King.
(Image: Supplied)
Sheriff Susan Duff read out the impact statement at court and revealed that the teen feared the gang wanted to kill him.
Kieren still suffers from nightmares and panic attacks and has given up playing football after his confidence disintegrated.
His victim impact statement added: “Even though my physical injuries have healed I don’t think the mental impact will ever heal.
“I genuinely believed they wanted to kill me. Them saying those words will live engraved in my head forever.
“I don’t think I’ll ever be able to be the happy carefree boy I was before this happened.”
Turning to King and Beautyman, Sheriff Duff said: “You and your friends did this to another human being. You need to hang your heads in shame.
“You attacked that school pupil with disabilities as part of a mob and left him lying on the ground with his hearing aids broken.”
Raith Rovers invited Kieren along to Stark’s Park following the attack to meet the players and watch training.
He was given a signed shirt, and Dylan Easton’s boots, and Kevin Dabrowski’s gloves. The club also had him travel with them on the team bus for a fixture against Airdrie.
Both clubs also immediately condemned the attack and vowed to work together and help police to identify the culprits.
Dunfermline fans attacking man with disabilities – Twitter @Ben_hibs7
A Raith Rovers spokesperson said: “We are aware of an incident involving one of our supporters being assaulted after today’s match.
“We have contacted the supporter to check on their well-being and to see how we can provide support in any way possible. The incident has been reported to the police and we will work with Dunfermline Athletic to identify the offenders.”
A spokesperson for the Pars added: “Dunfermline Athletic are aware of a video circulating on social media last night.
“The club condemns all forms of violence in the strongest possible way and we will support the authorities in identifying any individuals involved.
“We will work with Raith Rovers to ensure that the supporter involved receives the support they need. Any supporter found to have taken part in this horrible act will be banned from KDM Group East End Park.”
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