A DRINK with friends turned into a night to forget for a Cardenden man.

Raymond Lynch was playing host to two friends when a row broke out and he received a black eye.

Lynch then ended up being arrested when he followed his friend outside and punched him, with the police looking on.

Lynch, 35, of Denfield Avenue, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on November 5, at his home address, he assaulted a man by punching him to the head.

He also admitted that at Dunfermline police station, he acted aggressively, swore and uttered an offensive remark.

Depute fiscal Dev Kapadia said: “The complainer is a friend of the accused and was at his flat having a drink along with another acquaintance.”

There was later a disturbance at the property and police were called. Officers arrived and found two men outside Lynch’s home in the garden.

“Lynch then came out in an aggressive manner. It appeared as if he wanted to have a confrontation with one of his guests and a police officer put himself between them,” added the depute.

Lynch then swung a punch over the officer’s shoulder and struck the complainer on the head.

He was restrained, put on the ground and arrested. He was taken to hospital to have his eye injury checked.

Defence solicitor Lee Qmsieh said: “There was a photo in his home of his late mother and a derogatory comment was made about her.

“The two men joined in, initially in a light-hearted manner but they were asked to leave.

“They had all had a fair bit to drink,” said the solicitor. He said his client had sustained a black eye after being punched in the flat before retaliating outside.

He added: “He’s appalled and ashamed at his behaviour. He tells me it’s because he was frustrated that he was the one being arrested and that’s why he was mouthing off.”

Sheriff Alastair Brown commented: “He’s used his height to reach over the police officer and punch his friend.”

He called for reports and Lynch will be sentenced on February 26.