DEAN HARMAN SHOCKS LOCHGELLY WITH VIOLENT OUTBURST AT LOCAL CO-OP

A 30-year-old man from Lochgelly, Dean Harman, found himself in serious legal trouble following a violent incident at a local shop. The altercation involved a teenage boy, which culminated in Harman physically assaulting the young individual, leaving the boy visibly distressed and in tears.

The incident took place on November 3 at the Co-op store located on Bank Street in Lochgelly. Harman, who resides on Russell Street in the same town, appeared before Dunfermline Sheriff Court to face sentencing after admitting to the charges. According to court records, Harman assaulted a 14-year-old boy during the incident, which was triggered by a previous disturbance caused by the youth in the store.

Prosecutor Azrah Yousaf explained that the boy was on his lunch break from school when he entered the shop around 1 pm. The young teenager had reportedly caused a commotion earlier, which led to him being asked to leave the premises. Harman was present at the scene and became involved in the situation, which quickly escalated. Witnesses reported that Harman seized the boy by his clothing, dragged him, and struck him on the head. The assault resulted in the boy being smacked in the face, causing him to start crying and appear visibly upset.

During the court proceedings, Sheriff Edward Gilroy reviewed a social work report that indicated the boy was more vociferous and reluctant to leave the shop than the Crown's account suggested. The sheriff emphasized that Harman's actions were unnecessary and inappropriate. Addressing Harman directly, Sheriff Gilroy stated, “You became involved in a situation where you would have been better staying out of it. The shopkeeper was dealing with it. No matter if this boy was misbehaving, you shouldn’t have been putting hands on him.”

Harman’s sentence was deferred until October 4, with the condition of good behaviour. The case highlights the importance of restraint and proper conduct in public disputes, especially involving minors, and raises concerns about violence in community settings like Lochgelly.