Violent brute faces jail for glassing pub punter

Buckfast-fuelled attack left victim with severe injuries

A Buckfast-swilling thug who bottled a man in the face has been warned he is facing a jail sentence.

Sean McCallum, 25, who has previous convictions for violence, attacked Ross Chalmers at the Bar and Grill, in the town’s Causeyside Street, in a terrifying assault which took place in front of staff and drinkers.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard yesterday that McCallum, a tyrefitter, was with another man in the pub and had been drinking Buckfast tonic wine on February 17, when he zeroed in on his victim.

Fiscal depute Keri Marshall said Mr Chalmers was drinking at the bar with a friend, when they became aware of two men sitting in a booth, drinking Buckfast and playfighting.

Ms Marshall added: “At that point, the accused approached the complainer, he placed the bottle of Buckfast on the bar, and began dangling a keyring, which looked like it was a small knife.

“He was staring at the complainer.

“The complainer felt threatened by the accused’s actions. He threw a punch in the direction of the accused, which caused both parties to move away from the bar into the open space.

“The accused, who was in possession of the bottle of Buckfast, lashed out at the complainer, striking him on the left hand side of his head with the bottle.”

McCallum then fled the pub with his pal.

Mr Chalmers was offered help by bar staff, who contacted the emergency services.

He was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital by ambulance, but, because of the serious nature of his injuries — a slash wound from the bottom of his face to his neck, he was transferred to the Queen Elizabeth Ear, Nose and Throat department, where he received eight stitches for a four centimetre wound.

The court heard Mr Chalmers, who was discharged from hospital on February 19, had suffered a bleed on the brain, and was readmitted to the RAH the following day. He was finally discharged on February 22.

Cops tracked down McCallum in Paisley town centre at around midnight following the attack. He had blood splattered down his sleeve and on his hands when he was arrested.

Yesterday, McCallum pleaded guilty to the attack.

Defence agent Michael McKeown said he would reserve his submission in defence of his client until he appears for sentencing, but asked to court to bear in mind his early plea of guilty.

Sheriff David Pender told McCallum: “I will adjourn matters to call for reports in preparation for a sentence.

“You will be remanded in custody.”

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