Social workers to quiz lout who attacked couple in town centre

A stranger who randomly attacked a couple as they walked near Paisley town centre will be quizzed by social workers.

Anthony Leitch, 29, thumped Callum Colvin in front of his shocked girlfriend as they headed home from a night out.

Experts will assess the lout’s lifestyle and their findings will be used to determine what punishment should be doled out.

Leitch admitted assaulting his victim during a hearing at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Sheriff James Spy warned he could jail him for the offence. He said: “I will adjourn matters to call for reports.

“But be aware when this takes place that your lawyer will have his work cut out to persuade me not to make a custodial disposal.”

Leitch pounced as the pair walked along Old Sneddon Street.

He hounded him down the road – almost being hit by a passing taxi.

CCTV cameras captured the ordeal.

Footage was played to the court, showing Leitch punch the man to the ground.

He then pulled him to his feet and tried to embrace him.

A camera operator summoned police – who arrived and found Leitch bare-chested.

Prosecutor Carol Cameron told how the victim was left injured by the unprovoked assault.

She said: “It was just after midnight on a Friday night.

“The complainer and his girlfriend were walking along Old Sneddon Street, in Paisley, when they were approached by the accused.

“They did not engage with the accused. They made their way home. The incident is captured on CCTV.

“Both had polystyrene containers and were eating chips.

“They are seen trying to get away from the accused, who is seen running after them. This continues for some time.

“The accused then approaches Mr Colvin and punches him multiple times in the face.

“The complainer tried to defend himself. The accused continued his attack.

“This caused the complainer to fall to the ground.

“As a result of this he receives a laceration to the left side of his eye. “It was bleeding.”

Leitch blamed his behaviour on booze.

He was ordered to meet with social workers to assess his drinking and home life.

But he no-showed – claiming he never received an appointment date.

Defence lawyer Rhona Lynch says the letter may have been sent to an old address.

Leitch, of Girvan, South Ayrshire, has been ordered to meet with department staff and return to the dock next month.