Battered man in common close

An Airdrie thug has been told by a sheriff that she is“not persuaded”that he will avoid a prison term when he returns for sentencing after a sustained assault on a man outside his home.

Steven Black, 22, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week, where he pleaded guilty to a series of violent offences.

The court heard that, on various occasions on October 10 last year, within the common close area at Glencraig Street, Black assaulted the man by pushing him, seizing and struggling with him, chasing him and repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body.

Black also assaulted another man outside two houses on the same street by repeatedly attempting to strike him on the body.

On the same day, Black reset a computer games console and accessories, a mobile phone and a quantity of DVDs, which had been stolen from a property on the same street.

Black also pleaded guilty to being in possession of a knife on October 10.

Prosecutor Liz Ross said:“At 9.55pm, the occupier of the flat arrived back and saw Black looking for a girl.

“Black grabbed him and began punching and kicking him.

“The man ran downstairs for help and a few minutes later Black caught up with him and the fight continued. He then assaulted another man who lived nearby.

“A short time later Black was seen nearby and in possession of several stolen items in a yellow sports bag.

“Police also saw Black in possession of a black kitchen knife, which they seized.”

The knife was then produced in court by the fiscal depute and shown to Sheriff Morag Shankland.

The sheriff was also told that the flat owner suffered bruising and a twisted knee.

Defence lawyer Fraser McKinnon said of his client: “Black has a fair number of convictions.

“He had significant difficulties as a young boy.”

Addressing Black directly, Sheriff Shankland told him:“I am not persuaded that you can avoid a custodial sentence, but I will continue the matter for reports and look at all options.”

Sentence was deferred until February 25 to obtain a full social background report; he was remanded in custody in the meantime. remarks, and kneed a police officer in the groin, will return for sentencing next month.

James Stevenson, 30, of no fixed address, committed a series of or abusive manner by shouting and swearing and made threats of violence.

Stevenson assaulted a constable by spitting on him, kneeing him in punching him on the body, before uttering threats of violence and making pro-Nazi remarks.

Defence lawyer Rowan Myles told the court that Stevenson had

“It is important that we get this report prepared.

“I will allow you bail to get this done with the conditions that you supply an address within report.”

Sentence was deferred until March 18 to obtain both a full social background report and a psychiatric report.