A man pleaded guilty to assault on a night out

Kyle McLurkin, of Dalfarson Avenue, Dalmellington, assaulted a man causing laceration to his face outside Doon Tavern in Dalmellington on January 22.

The 25-year-old appeared before Sheriff John Montgomery at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Procurator Fiscal, Scott Toal, said: "The complainer is a 23-year-old man who was at the Doon Tavern at the same time as the accused.

"There was an earlier incident when they bumped into each other earlier on in the night.

"CCTV shows both the complainer and the accused leaving the [building].

"A minor scuffle broke out outside but the accused was not involved in this.

"The accused and complainer spoke to one another and then [McLurkin] punched the complainer to the ground and went to punch him again."

Mr Toal, added: "The complainer was motionless and the police and an ambulance attended.

"The victim had lacerations to his lip and CCTV showed the incident.

"The accused was traced to his home address.

"The complainer received three stitches to his lip which will leave a scar."

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor Mandy Stewart, said: "My client is 25 years of age.

"The complainer can be seen has heavy under the influence of alcohol.

"The report says that the complainer was going to hit him but my client accepts that he was acting in a way he shouldn't have.

"Mr McLurkin is a very settled man and has a good job that he has been in for three years, earning a good wage.

"He is fully aware of the seriousness given the injury to the complainer.

"I would ask you to step back from a custodial sentence.

"He accepts full responsibility and a future offending report says that he would be a minimum risk."

Sheriff Montgomery asked: "Why did he punch him?"

Miss Stewart replied: "My client can confirm that the complainer was being aggressive towards him, putting his head to him."

Sheriff Montgomery concluded: "I will give you a Community Payback Order with 200 hours of unpaid work.

"Breach the order at your peril."