A man who left his victim “scarred for life” after an assault at an Irvine pub has been jailed.
Lee Bannerman’s actions were described by his own lawyer as “reprehensible” after he pleaded guilty to the assault when he appeared before Kilmarnock Sheriff Court.
He appeared again before Sheriff Alastair Watson to be sentenced last week where he was told: “You’re going to have to change your outlook on life.”
The 27-year-old admitted throwing a glass, a chair and an ashtray at the victim resulting in his permanent disfigurement in Irvine’s Crown Inn on November 17.
Bannerman, an inmate of Barlinnie Prison, became violent after the victim played a song on the pub’s jukebox which Bannerman didn’t like.
The victim had attended at The Crown Inn with his cousin at around 7.30pm before the argument started.
The court heard how Bannerman “was not happy with the song choice and told the victim to put it off which he refused to so.”
Bannerman picked up a glass and threw it at the man striking him on the face.
The victim and his cousin ran to the beer garden and tried to climb a fence to get away but Bannerman followed and threw a chair at him.
He then “picked up an ash tray and threw it at the complainer”.
When police arrived at the scene they found blood on the floor of the pub and spoke with the victim who had escaped to the nearby Clubhouse Bar.
He was described as “badly injured” and received 30 stitches at Crosshouse Hospital.
The court heard how “the injuries to the face of the complainer will result in permanent scarring.”
Bannerman’s defence agent James Irvine previously said: “He takes full responsibility for his actions on that night.
“He recognised immediately that his conduct was reprehensible.”
On the day of Bannerman’s sentencing he added: “He recognises himself that alcohol has featured too much in his life and that’s something he will have to try and address.”
Sentencing, Sheriff Alastair Watson said: “I have information from the victim about how it has affected his life now. A man who is scarred for life after what should have just been a drink in the pub with his cousin.
“I accept you do generally seem remorseful for the attack.
“You have a bad record with a history of significant violence.”
Bannerman was sentenced to 30 months in prison, back dated to November 20.
Sheriff Watson added: “You’re not a young man now, you’re going to have to change your outlook on life.”
