Man glassed in face over spilt drink

Jun 26 2008

AN ARTERY in a man’s face was cut when he was hit with a glass in a Hamilton pub.

Brian Scott was taken to hospital following the incident at the former Sophisticats on July 15, 2006, where his treatment included three internal stitches to close a wound in his artery.

McLellan brothers Stephen (25), and Gerard (21), had been accused of attacking Mr Scott with the glass, and punching and kicking him on the head and body to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

However, Stephen McLellan’s not guilty plea to the assault charge – and Gerard McLellan’s guilty plea which made no mention of punching and kicking, or permanent disfigurement – were accepted by the Crown.

Fiscal depute Rebecca Scully told Hamilton Sheriff Court that Mr Scott and his friend Ryan Delaney visited the Townhead Street pub on the evening of the incident.

Mr Delaney had gone to the bar and drink was accidentally spilled on the accused’s brother Stephen McLellan.

Stephen McLellan then approached Mr Scott and Mr Delaney.

Gerard McLellan saw his brother speak to the complainer, and believed he was involved in a confrontation with Mr Scott.

The accused, holding a glass, approached Mr Scott and struck him on the right temple with it.

This broke the skin and caused Mr Scott’s head to bleed.

Gerard McLellan left the pub and an ambulance was called for Mr Scott.

The complainer was treated at Hairmyres Hospital for a cut above his right eye which also involved a nick to an artery.

Three internal stitches were applied and six external stitches closed the wound.

Gerard McLellan was interviewed by police officers the following day, and admitted getting into ‘a bit of an argument’ with Brian Scott.

His agent, Paul Garrett, told Sheriff Smith that the accused had finished an apprenticeship, and had been in a job for a year.

He also said his client appreciated the serious nature of the offence.

Sheriff Smith deferred sentence on McLellan, of Biggar Road, Cleland, until July 17 for a full range of reports.