Jailed for pub attack after unpaid work failure

consciousness.

Blyth admitted repeatedly punching Mr Townsley on the head in South Street on April 22, 2017.

The indictment had originally alleged he stamped on the victim’s head, to the danger of his life, but that was deleted.

Blyth, who later moved to Innewan Gardens, Bankfoot, had been ordered to carry out 225 hours of unpaid work within nine months.

He was also tagged and told to stay indoors from 7pm-6am for 19 weeks.

But the order was twice breached - and led to his jail term last week.

Solicitor Mike Tavendale explained: “It would appear that his employer was perhaps not the most sympathetic of employers and was insisting he worked, rather than attend for his unpaid work. He should have advised his supervising officer of what was going on but he didn’t. He’s very much aware of the potential consequences of a second breach of the order.”

He was now back living with his parents and his new employers had given him “assurances” regarding time off to complete the order, if needed.

Sheriff Foulis told Blyth he had “prioritised” his employment over the order.

He said Community payback orders would lose their effectiveness and the “wrong message” would be sent out if the alternative wasn’t imposed, particularly after two breaches.

Blyth, who has a previous conviction for assault to severe injury, which also attracted a community payback order, was led in handcuffs down to the cells to begin his jail term.