Attacked neighbour

A Cleland youth who attacked a neighbour during a row has avoided custody.

The victim suffered facial fractures and faces a second operation to repair a broken nose.

Callum Dougal, 19, of Omoa Road, Cleland, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted assaulting the man to his severe injury, disfigurement and impairment outside the flats where they live on June 29 last year.

Dougal also admitted shouting abuse at the victim’s partner two weeks later.

Scott King, prosecuting, said the man was speaking to a group of people when Dougal appeared at his balcony above and a row started over a window that had been broken previously.

Mr King told the court: “The accused made his way down to the communal grass area and approached Mr Brown.

“They shouted at each other then the man threw a punch at the accused which missed.

“Dougal responded by punching the victim three times on the face, causing him to fall to the ground. One of the others present intervened and took the victim to his home address.”

The court heard the victim’s left eye was swollen shut and an ambulance was called for.

The man was taken to University Hospital Wishaw. Doctors found he had fractures to his eye socket, cheekbone and nose.

Mr King explained: “Surgery was carried out on his nose. It’s better now, but for a time he had issues breathing. He will have another operation at a future date.”

The fiscal added that the woman was out with her dog two weeks after the assault when she was verbally abused by Dougal. The incident left her frightened and the police were contacted.

Dougal’s lawyer said there had been “bad blood” between Dougal and the man.

He stated: “The victim in this case threw the first punch so there was an element of provocation.

“That does not excuse my client’s reaction, but he has displayed genuine regret and remorse.”

Dougal was placed under supervision for two years and must complete 150 hours of unpaid community work.