A vicious thug kicked and stamped 10 times on a defenceless man's head during a sickening attack outside a pool hall in Lanarkshire.
The stunned victim was knocked unconscious for nearly five minutes but, amazingly, escaped with only cuts and bruises following a despicable assault that was filmed by a passing motorist.
Daniel Stanners, 20, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week and admitted that, while acting with unidentified accomplices, he assaulted the man to the danger of his life.
The attack happened in Main Street in Coatbridge town centre on May 21 last year.
It was filmed by a passing motorist and the shocking footage was shown to Sheriff Joseph Hughes in court.
Lauren Cole, prosecuting, said Stanners and friends were playing pool at the Ball Room sports bar. The victim was there separately with a friend.
At one point he spoke to Stanners, of Airdrie, who offered him a cigarette, but the victim responded by punching him on the forehead.
A short time later the two men were seen "exchanging words" outside.
Ms Cole told the court: "A witness began filming from his car. Stanners can be seen kicking the victim on the head and stamping on his head while he lay on the ground.
"This continued despite him becoming unconscious. Stanners kicked and stamped on his head about 10 times.
"The victim was unconscious for between four and five minutes.
"By the time he regained consciousness, police officers were in attendance and he was hostile towards them. He didn't wish to discuss the incident.
"He was taken to Monklands Hospital for treatment to bruising, swelling and cuts.
"He was given a CT scan, which revealed no underlying injuries, and after several hours of observation he was discharged."
Defence agent Mark Lutton said Stanners acted "in the heat of the moment" after being assaulted by the victim.
The solicitor added: "Alcohol played a significant part in his reaction."
Sheriff Hughes deferred sentence on Stanners, of Monkland Street, until January for background reports.
Having viewed footage of the attack, the Sheriff told him: "I don't know what was the most serious kick, but certainly the final one - when you went away from the complainer only to go back and kick him again - was not at all pleasant to watch."
Stanners, who has a full-time job, had his bail continued, but he will be under an 8pm to 6am curfew during the festive season.
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