Cleland man spared jail for battering neighbour

Steven Brown has since had breathing problems and faces a second operation to repair his broken nose.

Callum Dougal, 19, of Omoa Road, Cleland, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury, disfigurement and impairment outside the flats where they live on June 29 last year.

Dougal also admitted shouting abuse at the victim’s partner, Laura Walker, two weeks later.

Scott King, prosecuting, said Mr Brown was speaking to a group of people when Dougal appeared at his balcony above and a row started over a window that had been broken previously.

Mr King told the court: “The accused made his way down to the communal grass area and approached Mr Brown.

“They shouted at each other then Mr Brown threw a punch at the accused which missed.

“Dougal responded by punching Mr Brown three times on the face, causing him to fall to the ground. One of the others present intervened and took Mr Brown to his home address.”

The court heard the victim’s left eye was swollen shut and an ambulance was called for.

When she saw the extent of the injuries, Ms Walker confronted Dougal who admitted he’d carried out the assault “because I have anger issues”.

Mr Brown was taken to University Hospital Wishaw. Doctors found he had fractures to his eye socket, cheekbone and nose.

Mr King explained: “Surgery was carried out on his nose. It’s much better now, but for a time he had issues with his breathing. He will have another operation on his nose at a future date.”

The fiscal added that Ms Walker was out with her dog two weeks after the assault when she was verbally abused by Dougal. The incident left her frightened and the police were contacted.

Defence agent Matthew McGovern said there had been “bad blood” between Dougal and Mr Brown.

He stated: “Mr Brown threw the first punch so there was an element of provocation.

“That does not excuse my client’s reaction, but he has displayed genuine regret and remorse.

“The injuries were serious and he’s on the cusp of custody, but background reports suggest an alternative sentence would be suitable.”

Sheriff Marie Smart told Dougal: “This was a serious offence, but there was certainly an element of provocation.

“You have no previous convictions and for that reason I can deal with it other than by custody.”

Dougal was placed under supervision for two years and must complete 150 hours of unpaid community work within six months.