Shocked Blantyre residents saw an assault victim being kicked on the head as he lay helpless on the ground.
The attack led to Allan Slavin, 34, of Kirkton Avenue, Blantyre, appearing at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.
He admitted assaulting Christopher Adam to his severe injury in Broompark Road on April 21 last year.
Mr Adam, 36, has since died, the court heard, but his death was not connected to the assault.
Neil Thomson, prosecuting, said there was “history” between the men.
Around 7.30pm Mr Adam was walking home when he “became embroiled in a dispute with the accused”.
Mr Thomson told the court: “This culminated in the accused punching Mr Adam to the head, causing him to fall.
“Thereafter he punched and kicked the victim on the head and body.
“The attack was seen by a number of residents and the police were contacted.
“Officers arrived and found Mr Adam conscious but bleeding from head and facial injuries.
“He was taken to Hairmyres Hospital where a cut in the area between his eyes was closed with four stitches.
“Scans were carried out to check for further injuries, but these were clear.
“Mr Adam is now deceased. His death came some time later and is not connected to this incident.”
Defence solicitor-advocate Ali Murray said Mr Adam had assaulted his client with a bottle and a needle in a previous assault.
He added: “Unfortunately, he couldn’t claim self-defence on this occasion.”
Sheriff Thomas Millar called for background reports and deferred sentence until March 10. Slavin had his bail continued.
