A former soldier hit a man over the head with a glass bottle and left him permanently scarred from the horror attack.
Father-to-be Connor Hendry, 25, struck James Thomson and caused a 4cm laceration to the left side of his head that had to be stapled closed, causing permanent disfigurement.
Hendry, of Ettrick Terrace, in Johnstone, also struck a beer bottle off of Jeremy Wylie’s head on the same day and called him a “f*****g fa***t.”
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Prosecutor David McDonald told Paisley Sheriff Court that witnesses James Thomson and Mr Fraser were in Mr Fraser’s house on Sunday, April 18 watching football and drinking alcohol and later that night they went to another friends house.
Mr McDonald explained: “Around 9pm, James Thomson and Mr Fraser attended at Mr Lindsay’s house and approximately one hour later all three men attended at the Spar shop on Bargarran Square.
“Mr Lindsay went into the store and bought a bottle of Buckfast before all three sat on the benches within the square and consumed more alcohol.
“Shortly after midnight, the three men saw two males, one of whom was Connor Hendry approaching from the footbridge.
“The two males continued to approach and a physical altercation took place between the other male in Hendry’s company and Mr Lindsay.
“Mr Fraser ran away at this point.
“Mr Thomson went to the aid of Mr Lindsay - at which time Mr Hendry picked up a glass bottle and struck Mr Thomson on the left side of his head, causing lacerations to his head and ear.
“Thomson fell to the ground and then saw the male who arrived with the accused grab him and shout ‘What you playing at?’
“All parties then left the area, heading in different directions.”
The court heard that as Thomson made his way home from Bargarran Square two passers-by told him he looked “like he had been stabbed” and at that point he noticed blood coming from his head.
Mr McDonald added: “On arriving home, Mr Thomson woke his mother who contacted the emergency services.
“Police and paramedics attended and confirmed that Mr Thomson would require stitches due to the severity of the injury.
“Mr Thomson was taken to hospital and treated for a 4cm laceration to the left side of his head with four staples and he was also treated with glue for a laceration to his left ear.”
The court then heard how the soon-to-be father attended at an Erskine property on April 19 last year and struck Jeremy Wylie on the head with a bottle.
Mr McDonald explained: “Around 1am on April 19, Mr Wylie and Ms Hurles were within a property in Shaw Court when they heard a loud bang at the door.
“Wylie attended at the door and saw the accused and another male standing there.
“Mr Wylie opened the door and stated that they weren’t coming in.
“The accused attempted to make his way into the hallway and Mr Wylie pushed the accused in an attempt to prevent him coming in.
“Hendry then swung a beer bottle at Mr Wylie and struck him on the left side of his head, causing a minor laceration.
“The accused then called Wylie a ‘f*****g fa***t.’
“Wylie contacted the police and when they attended they observed the laceration to Wylie’s head and cuts on his feet that he sustained from stepping on broken glass.
“Paramedics attended and cleaned the injuries but confirmed that he did not require further medical attention.
“The accused attended at Paisley police office on Tuesday, April 20 where he was cautioned and charged and held in custody to appear before court the next lawful day.”
Defence agent Anthony Boland told the court on Friday that Hendry understands the “gravity of the offences.”
Mr Boland added: “At the time he was employed with the army but he has been released as he has served his four years.
“Reports will be required in this case and I ask that his bail is continued while the reports are prepared.
“His partner is expecting their first child and she is due on Monday.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Tom McCartney said: “These are clearly serious matters.
“Charge two is an assault with a bottle, causing permanent disfigurement, and charge three is an assault with sexual prejudice.
“I’m going to adjourn sentencing to obtain a report.”
Sheriff McCartney called for a criminal justice social work report and a restriction of liberty order assessment.
Hendry will return to court next month for sentencing.
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