A thug attacked an innocent stranger in Hamilton town centre on Christmas Day.
William McCreadie narrowly avoided prison for his “bizarre and violent” behaviour when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week.
McCreadie, 27, of Wyler Tower, Hamilton, admitted assaulting Owen McPartlin in Quarry Street on December 25.
The court heard he ran towards the victim, shoved him to the ground, punched him repeatedly and struck him repeatedly on the head with a belt. Fortunately, Mr McPartlin escaped serious injury.
McCreadie also admitted damaging a motorbike at the same location that day.
Ali Murray, defending, said McCreadie was “heavily intoxicated” on Christmas Day and remembered nothing about the incidents.
Mr Murray added: “He realises this was bizarre and violent behaviour towards a perfectly innocent member of the public. He has issues with anger and alcohol.”
Sheriff David Bicket told McCreadie he was willing to impose a “direct alternative to custody” and placed him under supervision for 18 months.
He was also ordered to do 240 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months.
