A GREENKEEPER who tended the fairways at the world famous Old Course has been jailed for nearly two years after he brutally assaulted a physics PhD student in a row over their scientific knowledge.
American national Kevin Rundstrom - who tends the fairways at the world famous home of golf - violently attacked Guy Whitworth at a pub in St Andrews in June in a row which started over the TV series The Big Bang Theory.
Mr Whitworth - a PhD student in laser physics - was left with an horrific scar on his neck after the attack.
Prosecutors had claimed that had been caused by Rundstrom smashing a Champagne flute into Mr Whitworth's neck, but a jury removed that allegation from the charge when they convicted the American.
A court heard Rundstrom now had no right to remain in the UK and is facing deportation after serving his 21 month sentence.
Mr Whitworth, 24, originally of London, told Dundee Sheriff Court that he had been out with two friends celebrating his birthday in the Fife town when the group met Rundstrom and one of his colleagues in the town's Vic bar.
After an initial "friendly" conversation things became "heated" between Mr Whitworth and Rundstrom.
Rundstrom told the court they had initially joked about the US science-comedy show The Big Bang Theory.
But the atmosphere had turned when he claimed Mr Whitworth had "demeaned" him over his science knowledge.
Rundstrom, 25, of Pilmore House, West Sands, St Andrews, denied a charge of assaulting Mr Whitworth to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement on June 14 this year.
A jury of nine women and six men found him guilty of the assault, but removed references to smashing a glass off Mr Whitworth's neck and causing severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Kris Gilmartin, defending, said desperate attempts had been made to allow Rundstrom to stay in the country so he could carry out a non-custodial sentence.
He said: "He accepts he struck Mr Whitworth repeatedly - three times in all - but doesn't accept responsibility for the injuries he suffered to his neck."
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro jailed Rundstrom for 21 months.
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