Mother speaks of son's agony at hands of Motherwell thug in underpass

The mother of a Hearts fan brutally assaulted following a football match in Motherwell hopes her son’s attacker is jailed next month after leaving him with a shattered jaw, missing teeth and nearly two years of psychological trauma.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Jul 2021, 09:24 GMT
Updated 21st Jul 2021, 09:24 GMT

Darren Manson was attacked by a gang of youths in an underpass as he walked with his mother, Nicky, from the game to Motherwell train station in August 2019. Moments later he was punched by 46-year-old Scott Notman, who was not part of the group, leaving his mouth pouring with blood.

A surgeon later told Mr Manson that his jaw had been “shattered” and that he needed surgery to insert metal plates and pins, as well as stitches inside his mouth.

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On Monday at Hamilton Sheriff Court, Notman pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Manson - aged 22 at the time - to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment on August 16, 2019.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ms Manson said: “He suffers from depression and anxiety. He was waking up with hot and cold sweats and having nightmares. When in the house he would keep looking behind him and he never went out for months. He still barely goes out now.

“I hope he gets a custodial sentence.

“What he has done is not just punch someone, it’s affected him (Darren) over the past two years.”

For more see page 3.