A young greenkeeper faces a jail sentence for battering an Ayr dad who came to the aid of his son.
Mitchell McCulloch, 20, left Scott Russell needing plates and screws fitted in his right ankle after hitting him on the head and body with a 'police truncheon-like' weapon at Millbrae Court in Ayr in August last year.
Mr Russell witnessed his son, Rory Russell, being assaulted by McCulloch outside their home on August 28, 2021, and came to help him.
Ayr Sheriff Court heard McCulloch, who appeared from custody, and another man, whose identity remains unknown to prosecutors, cornered Rory Russell as he attempted to return to his home.
Depute fiscal Mhairi Mair said: “Rory Russell entered his street and became aware of two men standing against a wall.
“Rory Russell was wary and crossed the street. The accused McCulloch shouted over to him asking ‘What’s your problem?’
“He continued to ask various questions about where he lived, what he was doing, what he was wearing and how much various clothing items cost.
“Rory Russell attempted to get away but the two men cornered him outside his house.”
McCulloch then punched Rory Russell on the head before his dad ran outside to help him.
Scott Russell then fell victim to a nasty assault by McCulloch.
Ms Mair said: “McCulloch brandished an item, which Scott Russell believed to be a police truncheon, striking him on the body.
“Scott Russell fell to the ground and McCulloch continued to strike him.”
Neighbours came out to assist Scott Russell, who was unable to walk due to the pain and had to wait outside for the police and an ambulance to arrive.
Mr Russell sustained three fractures to his right ankle and needed an operation to have plates and screws fitted.
Sheriff Foran told defence solicitor Tony Currie that “custody has to be in the mind of the court for this.”
McCulloch was remanded in custody pending social work reports.
He will reappear for sentencing at a later date.
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