A MAN who assaulted a neighbour during a dispute on the street outside their homes has been told he has “one last chance” to have a background report compiled or he will face custody.

Daniel McNeill was due to attend for a social work appointment to have the report prepared before he faced sentencing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court last week. But when the case called, the court was told that McNeill had failed to attend the appointment and the called-for report was not available.

Sheriff Matthew Auchincloss was not at all impressed and he warned McNeill that if he did not show up next time then he would have no option but to remand him in custody.

The sheriff agreed to defer sentence on the 22-year-old for a second time to next month.

Previously, McNeill, of Hercus Loan, admitted his guilt to three offences committed on July 9 last year.

The court heard that McNeill shouted, swore and acted aggressively towards neighbours Robert Morison and Carolyn Laing after becoming involved in the street row outside his home.

McNeill, of Musselburgh, ran towards the pair, chased them along the street and attempted to enter their home during the incident.

He also kicked out at a door before going on to assault Mr Morison by punching him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

Following his arrest, McNeill was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh for treatment, where he was said to have acted aggressively by repeatedly shouting, swearing and uttering abusive remarks and threats to police officers.

McNeill pleaded guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and to assaulting Robert Morison at Hercus Loan, Musselburgh, on July 9 last year.

He also admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and issuing threats towards police officers at the hospital on the same date.