Yob is jailed after vicious assault on Polish man, 26

Oct 2 2008

A HAMILTON thug who attacked a Polish man has been jailed for 17 months.

Paul Findlay (34), of Holyrood Street, assaulted Krystof Belczyk, leaving him severely injured.

Findlay head-butted Mr Belczyk and continued to push, punch and kick him on the head and body in Gateside Street on September 25, 2005.

The charge had originally stated the accused had also robbed the Pole of £20, but Findlay’s guilty plea to an amended charge which made no mention of this was accepted by the Crown.

Findlay also admitted charges of failing to appear for court proceedings on two occasions.

Hamilton Sheriff Court had heard Mr Belczyk, aged 26 at the time, had been socialising with friends in Roxy’s Bar in Brandon Street.

He left the bar to walk back to his nearby home in Gateside Street but he became aware of someone walking closely behind him.

On approaching his house, Mr Belczyk noticed Findlay, who began shouting at him.

Findlay butted Mr Belczyk on the head and pushed him, causing him to fall to the ground.

The accused then punched and kicked his victim on the head and body.

One of the Polish man’s neighbours shouted at Findlay, who then stopped the attack and ran from the scene.

Mr Belczyk was taken to Hairmyres Hospital where he was found to be suffering from swelling to his left eye, bruising to his upper lip, a damaged upper front tooth and a cut on his left eyebrow.

Findlay was later stopped by police who had noticed that his shoes were covered in blood.

When later interviewed by officers, he accepted he had attacked Mr Belczyk, but alleged he “stuck up for himself” after the Pole had started fighting with him.