Thug punched man over alopecia jibe

A yob flipped out and repeatedly punched a bus passenger who made cruel jibes about his alopecia.

Brian Hendry, 41, exploded in violence at Stephen Fermie on a bus travelling in Paisley’s Glasgow Road in front of other passengers.

Paisley Sheriff Court was told Hendry had been drinking and watching the football prior to boarding the bus on September 24 when he was approached by the complainer.

Procurator Fiscal Depute Joanne Gilmour said: “The locus is within the bus travelling in Glasgow Road, Paisley.

“The bus was in motion. There were several passengers and the driver on board.

“At 9.15pm the accused got on the bus. The witness Fermie had got on the bus.

“As the accused made his way to the rear of the bus, the witness Fermie mumbled something.

“The accused sat down at the rear of the bus. The witness Fermie made his way to the back and sat opposite the accused.

“Thereafter the accused got out of his seat, approached the witness Fermie and punched him three times on the side of the head.”

Mr Fermie contacted police to report the assault.

Cops attended and took statements from witnesses.

Hendry made no reply to caution and charge.

Yesterday Hendrie formerly of the town’s Auchentorlie Quadrant, but now staying at his girlfriend’s address in Hillington, pleaded guilty to a charge of assaulting his victim by repeatedly striking him on the head.

Defence agent Tony Callahan said his client had been goaded by the complainer who made remarks about his appearance.

He said: “He had been drinking and watching football and went for the bus back to his girlfriend’s address.

“When on the bus a comment was made by the complainer.

“My client suffers from alopecia. “The complainer made a remark at the front of the bus but continued to abuse him at the back.

“He accepts it was not appropriate and he behaved in the manner described.”

Sheriff Colin Pettigrew tore a strip off Hendry who has previous convictions for assault.

He said: “Your record does not do you any good. You were on bail for assault and here is a further assault.

“I accept you have pleaded guilty at the first opportunity. I don’t think I could be faulted if I simply imposed a custodial sentence today. However I recognise there was an element of provocation to which you were subject.”

He deferred sentence on Hendry to call for further information and he will discover his fate when he returns to court on November 19.