JOHN ARNOTT SENTENCED IN KIRKCALDY FOR BRUTAL HOCKEY STICK ATTACK ON VICTIM WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

In a serious criminal case that unfolded at Kirkcaldy, John Arnott, a 35-year-old man from the town, was sentenced to 20 months in prison following a violent assault that left a vulnerable man with special needs hospitalized. The incident, which took place at Kirkcaldy Bus Station in September 2017, was the culmination of a series of aggressive actions by Arnott that shocked the local community and drew significant attention from law enforcement authorities.

Arnott appeared before Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court yesterday, where he admitted to the brutal assault on Peter Mellentis. The assault resulted in multiple cuts to Mr. Mellentis’s head and face, injuries severe enough to require stitches. The court heard that the attack was carried out with a hockey stick, which Arnott had previously been seen carrying and which he had hidden down his trousers during the incident.

The victim, Mr. Mellentis, who has learning difficulties, was at the bus station with friends following a memorial service for the tragic teenager Libbi Toledo. As he was standing at the station, he noticed a broken hockey stick lying nearby. Concerned about its potential danger, Mr. Mellentis picked up the stick and concealed it in his clothing. However, this seemingly innocent act led to a confrontation with Arnott.

According to witnesses, a verbal altercation ensued between the two men. During the dispute, Mr. Mellentis took out the hockey stick and swung it at Arnott. In response, Arnott seized the stick and began attacking Mr. Mellentis, striking him repeatedly on the head and body. Witnesses described seeing at least three kicks delivered to the victim’s head while he was curled up on the ground, crying out for help. The assault was described as particularly violent and unprovoked.

In addition to the assault at Kirkcaldy Bus Station, Arnott had previously admitted to acting in a threatening and abusive manner at Wemyssfield Service Station on the same day. For this, he received a concurrent six-month sentence. Furthermore, he was sentenced to an additional six months for a separate incident involving shouting, swearing, and urinating near the boot of his former partner’s car. These multiple convictions highlight a pattern of aggressive behavior.

During the court proceedings, defence solicitor Mr. Moore explained that the incident began when Arnott invited the complainant for a casual chat. He suggested that Mr. Mellentis might not have anticipated the confrontation turning violent, especially since Arnott had armed himself with the hockey stick, which he had hidden in his trousers. Mr. Moore acknowledged that Arnott’s actions went far beyond acceptable conduct and caused serious injuries to the victim.

Sheriff James Williamson, presiding over the case, acknowledged that Arnott did not initiate the fight but emphasized that his response was excessively disproportionate. The sheriff stated, “I accept that you didn’t start the fight in relation to the indictment matter. However, you took it way beyond anything that could have been seen as reasonable,” and subsequently sentenced Arnott to 20 months in prison for the assault.

This case underscores the dangers of violent outbursts and the importance of accountability, especially when vulnerable individuals are involved. The community in Kirkcaldy is reminded of the serious consequences that can follow such reckless and aggressive behavior.