A Bellshill man has avoided jail for an unprovoked attack on an innocent stranger.
Sasha Zanjani turned violent after being challenged by a householder who found him in his driveway.
Zanjani, 31, of Cairnlea Gardens, blamed drugs for his behaviour when he appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted assaulting a male to his injury and permanent disfigurement in Robertson Drive, Bellshill, on February 19, 2019.
Zanjani also admitted shouting abuse and threats at police officers and resisting arrest.
Mairi-Clare McMillan, prosecuting, said a man noticed the accused in his driveway around 7.30am.
The householder challenged him and Zanjani claimed he was “just starting my car”.
Zanjani left but returned as the householder was getting ready to leave for work.
This time he accused the householder of stealing his mobile phone.
Zanjani punched him, knocking him to the ground.
A struggle ensued and the accused grabbed the male's head and banged his face off the car, denting the bonnet.
The man's frightened partner contacted the police, picked up a stick and hit Zanjani.
But he grabbed the stick from her and struck the male again on the head with it.
The terrified woman fled back into the house and locked the door.
The fiscal added: “Police arrived and saw a significant amount of blood on the victim's face.
“He was treated at hospital where two cuts to his head were stitched and glued.”
Zanjani was found nearby, but struggled violently when five police officers tried to detain him.
He warned: “You’ll not be taking me anywhere. I’ll have you all in bodybags.”
Defence agent Andy Thomson said Zanjani had mental health problems “brought about by excessive use of controlled drugs”.
But the solicitor added: “He has since freed himself completely of drugs.”
After studying a criminal justice social work report, Sheriff Ray Small placed Zanjani under supervision for 18 months.
He must also carry out 220 hours of unpaid community work.
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