A former soldier who hit two men with bottles in the space of just a few hours has admitted he “went over the score.”
Brute Connor Hendry, 25, struck James Thomson and caused a 4cm laceration to the left side of his head - which had to be stapled closed - causing permanent disfigurement.
Hendry, of Ettrick Terrace, in Johnstone, also struck a beer bottle off of Jeremy Wylie’s head on the same day and called him a “f*****g fa***t.”
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Earlier today at Paisley Sheriff Court, Sheriff Tom McCartney slammed Hendry’s actions, stating: “Each of these crimes was one of violence involving a bottle.
“One caused injury with permanent disfigurement and the other was injury with remarks aggravated by sexual orientation.
“If you had any previous convictions of violence you’d be facing a substantial prison sentence.”
Prosecutor David McDonald previously told the court witnesses James Thomson and Mr Fraser were in Mr Fraser’s house on Sunday, April 18 watching football and drinking alcohol and later that night they went to another friend’s house.
Mr McDonald explained: “Around 9pm, James Thomson and Mr Fraser attended at Mr Lindsay’s house and approximately one hour later all three men attended at the Spar shop on Bargarran Square.
“Mr Lindsay went into the store and bought a bottle of Buckfast before all three sat on the benches within the square and consumed more alcohol.
“Shortly after midnight, the three men saw two males, one of whom was Connor Hendry approaching from the footbridge.
“The two males continued to approach and a physical altercation took place between the other male in Hendry’s company and Mr Lindsay.
“Mr Fraser ran away at this point.
“Mr Thomson went to the aid of Mr Lindsay - at which time Mr Hendry picked up a glass bottle and struck Mr Thomson on the left side of his head, causing lacerations to his head and ear.
“Thomson fell to the ground and then saw the male who arrived with the accused grab him and shout ‘What you playing at?’
“All parties then left the area, heading in different directions.”
The court heard that as Thomson made his way home from Bargarran Square two passers-by told him he looked “like he had been stabbed” and at that point he noticed blood coming from his head.
Mr McDonald added: “On arriving home, Mr Thomson woke his mother who contacted the emergency services.
“Police and paramedics attended and confirmed that Mr Thomson would require stitches due to the severity of the injury.
“Mr Thomson was taken to hospital and treated for a 4cm laceration to the left side of his head with four staples and he was also treated with glue for a laceration to his left ear.”
The court then heard how sozzled Hendry turned up at an Erskine property a few hours later - on April 19 - and struck Jeremy Wylie on the head with a bottle.
Mr McDonald explained: “Around 1am on April 19, Mr Wylie and Ms Hurles were within a property in Shaw Court when they heard a loud bang at the door.
“Wylie attended at the door and saw the accused and another male standing there.
“Mr Wylie opened the door and stated that they weren’t coming in.
“The accused attempted to make his way into the hallway and Mr Wylie pushed the accused in an attempt to prevent him coming in.
“Hendry then swung a beer bottle at Mr Wylie and struck him on the left side of his head, causing a minor laceration.
“The accused then called Wylie a ‘f*****g fa***t.’
“Wylie contacted the police and when they attended they observed the laceration to Wylie’s head and cuts on his feet that he sustained from stepping on broken glass.
“Paramedics attended and cleaned the injuries but confirmed that he did not require further medical attention.”
Defence agent Anthony Boland told the court, that Hendry had recently become a father and is “remorseful.”
Mr Boland added: “There is no connection with these offences apart from his own foolish behaviour and intoxication.
“He went way over the score lifting that bottle after a stupid argument between parties.
“His excessive use of alcohol played a part in his actions that night and he fully appreciates the seriousness of these offences.”
Sheriff Tom McCartney placed Hendry under supervision of the social work department for 12 months and ordered he carries out 200 hours unpaid work.
In addition, the trainee HGV driver was ordered to wear a tag for eight months keeping him within his home address between 7.30pm and 5am each day.
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