A MAN required an ‘immediate operation’ after his jaw had been broken in two places by three men outside Crumbs and Cocktails in Ayr.

Gary Howarth, Stefan McIlloney and John McDonald admitted to punching the man repeatedly on the head and body on February 18 this year, leading to the complainer receiving his severe injury.

The three accused appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal, Cath Whyte, explained: “At the locus, Crumbs and Cocktails was closed for a function that was private. 

“Witnesses were out socialising in Paisley and came back to Ayr and made their way to the locus that was on Smith Street.

“On arrival, they noted a group of men and women.

“A confrontation took place with two of the witnesses. Violence occurred, and the complainer was injured. The complainers jaw was broken in two places and he required an immediate operation.

“Two metal plates were put in place to allow the jaw to heal – there is no update on how the complainer is doing.

“Police went to the home address of Howarth where he was apprehended – police officers also apprehended McIlloney, and McDonald handed himself in.”

CCTV evidence was shown to the court illustrating the incident.

Peter Lockhart, speaking on behalf of Howarth, said: “Witnesses who were there were not sure who did what. CCTV was then requested. My client became involved later on [into the incident].

“From what I understand, the complainer’s injuries are healing well. Howarth accepts his responsibility and regrets his actions in this. His recollection was that he couldn’t remember because he was intoxicated.

"Had it not been for the CCTV, this case would not have got off the ground. He does have a record and he accepts that.”

Ian Gillies, speaking on behalf of McIlloney, said: “My client was not involved to begin with but he sees this [altercation] develop, he runs over to break it up, however, you see in the CCTV that he gets involved and then he is dragged away by his sister.”

Steven Maxwell, speaking on before of McDonald, said: “The complainer is seen, somewhat, not being allowed back into the party - you see my client in the CCTV - he has conceded his involvement from the outset. He [seems] to be a peace maker with what he seems to do with his actions.

"He was affected by the consequences that he could not believe that he had been partied with and he accepts this.”

Both Howarth and McIlloney were sentenced to 14 months in prison whilst McDonald is to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within a six-month period.