Bus stop attacker is jailed for eight years

A man who kicked and stamped on a stranger despite claiming to have sore feet has been jailed for eight years.

Shaun Clelland attacked Mark Mclaren as the victim stood at a bus stop in Dumfries last April.

Mr Mclaren, 37, was also hit with a bottle and punched.

A judge heard that Clelland carried out the assault amid claims he had just injured his feet following a recent fall.

He helped get himself caught when police found Mr Mclaren’s mobile phone at his home.

The 35 year-old was sentenced yesterday having pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Mclaren to his severe injury and danger of life.

Lady Rae told him at the High Court in Glasgow that he had an “unenviable” criminal record.

He had been released from jail a month earlier having previously been jailed for a hammer attack.

The judge said: “You were on early release from a crime of serious assault.

“You are assessed as a violent, high risk offender particularly when under the influence of alcohol.”

Clelland will be supervised for a further three years on his release.

The court earlier heard how witnesses were left shocked as the thug attacked Mr Mclaren.

The victim’s head and face was described as “covered in blood”.

Medics later said his injuries were life threatening.