Attack in town centre

A thug has been fined £1,500 and must pay his victim £ 1,000 compensation after a late night attack in Motherwell town centre.

David Houston, 29, of Sycamore Place, Newarthill, had been warned to expect a prison sentence when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court. He admitted assaulting a man in Muir Street, Motherwell, on January 14 this year.

The victim was knocked unconscious and, before adjourning the case for background report s, Sheriff Vincent Smith told Houston: “This is serious and something which merits a custodial sentence in most cases. You should get your affairs in order before you return to court.”

However, having studied the reports and heard from defence agent Ian Scott, the sheriff decided that a financial penalty was sufficient. The court heard Mr Fleming, who’s from Motherwell, was floored by a punch and struck his head on the kerb.

Paula Russell, prosecuting, said he was out cold “for some time”.

He suffered a suspected broken nose and was referred for specialist treatment. He also had a cut above his eye which was treated at Wishaw General Hospital but did not require stitches.

Ms Russell added: “Houston was under the control of bouncers when police arrived. Officers noted he was aggressive and highly intoxicated.”

Houston was, according to his lawyer, full of remorse.

Mr Scott told the court: “Clearly he has to accept responsibility and he apologises for his behaviour.

“He is not a man with a record for violence. He and the victim do not know each other and there are no lasting issues between them.”