Time to get healthy down at the library

A motorist got out of his car and smashed another man over the head with a bottle after a disagreement in a Craigneuk street.

Jamie Nisbet was jailed for 18 months at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

He admitted assaulting William Smith to his severe injury at The Broadway on November 6 last year.

Paula Russell, prosecuting, said 28- year- old Nisbet stopped his car to speak to someone about 1.45pm. Shortly after this he became involved in an argument with Mr Smith.

Ms Russell told the court: “Nisbet took a Buckfast bottle, pursued Mr Smith and hit him three or four times on the head until the bottle smashed.

“Nisbet then went back to his vehicle with a friend and drove off. Police took Mr Smith to University Hospital Wishaw. He was bleeding heavily from a small wound to the back of his head and this was stapled close. He was discharged the same day.”

Defence agent Ian Scott said his client was chatting quite happily to a woman when “other parties” arrived and there was “hostility and confrontation”.

The solicitor stated: “Mr Smith has a record and knows Wishaw Library will be one of the hosts for a programme aimed at improving health and wellbeing across North Lanarkshire.

CultureNL will roll out the third Love Life Love Libraries event with a range of exciting activities.

The leisure organisation will work with partners including NHS Lanarkshire and Macmillan Cancer Support to deliver advice and action on how to become healthier.

Professionals will be on hand to offer the residents of North Lanarkshire information on healthy living as well as the opportunity to try new activities and pastimes which could benefit their health.

Activities will include Pilates, walking groups, mood-boosting book groups, arts and crafts, money advice, reminiscence, health awareness and much more.

Participants will be encouraged to join a clubbercise class or have a browse, blether and song on the Laughter mobile library his way about this court building.”

Mr Scott conceded Nisbet has a previous conviction for an “almost identical” assault for which he got an eightmonth jail sentence in 2013.

However, he produced a letter from his client’s partner who said he has made good progress while in custody in relation to the latest case. Mr Scott suggested a community-based sentence could be considered.

However, Sheriff Thomas Millar told Nisbet: “You have a substantial and serious record which includes another assault with a bottle.

“In addition, when you committed this offence you were subject to a restriction bus. Organisers say there is something for everyone and all activities are free.

Love Life Love Libraries health and wellbeing week will take place from February 3 until February 10.

As well as Wishaw, the libraries at Cleland, Newmains, Motherwell, Shotts, Newarthill and New Stevenston will also take part.

For more information and a full list of activities, visit www.culturenl.co.uk/ lovelife of liberty order in relation to assault and having an offensive weapon.

“This can’t be dealt with by anything other than custody. You struck this person several times until the bottle smashed then drove off without regard for his condition.”

The sheriff reduced the sentence from two years due to Nisbet’s guilty plea and backdated it to November 7.