Ugene Haughey, who uses walking sticks, was severely injured by 59-year-old Alan Sproat. Edinburgh Sheriff Court heard that the incident came after Mr Haughey bumped into Sproat's car on 6 March. Sproat pleaded guilty to injuring his victim by recklessly and culpably releasing a car door onto his leg.

The court heard how Mr Haughey was parking in the city's Leith Walk on his way to pick up a prescription when he accidentally bumped into Sproat's expensive car. Sproat's wife was in the car. She immediately telephoned her husband, who arrived shortly afterwards. Mr Haughey had checked for damage but found none and went on an errand. When he returned, Sproat was waiting for him. Mr Haughey tried to get into his car, but Sproat grabbed hold of the driver's door.

A struggled ensued until Sproat deliberately let go of the door, causing it to smash into the older man's ankle. Mr Haughey, who was distressed, spent 10 days in hospital while his leg was treated. Sproat was later traced by his registration plate number.