An attacker is facing jail after repeatedly punching and kicking a man at the rear of a clothing store.
Ryan Hutchison, 22, said to have been acting with another, left victim Jonathan Thomson needing nine stitches after the incident at the rear of the Matalan store in Langlees, Falkirk.
Falkirk Sheriff Court heard the incident occurred about five past midnight on November 15th, 2020, after the victim had exchanged phone messages with another person who was attending a nearby house party.
Hutchison, who was at the party, then left the get-together with others, saying they were "going to Matalan".
Prosecutor Kristina Kelly said the group gathered in a lane between Matalan and a carpet warehouse.
A fight then began, with Hutchison and another male "swinging punches" at Mr Thomson.
Mr Thomson was knocked to the ground.
The pair then repeatedly kicked and punched Mr Thomson to the head and body.
Mr Thomson said, "You've made your point, now get off me" and Hutchison and the other male were pulled away from Mr Thomson, who was bleeding from facial wounds.
Mr Thomson returned to his home nearby and his father called an ambulance.
Doctors at the Forth Valley Royal Hospital used a total of nine stitches to close wounds to his eyebrow and mouth.
Hutchison was later identified as one of those responsible, and arrested.
He was cautioned and charged and replied, "I cannae remember it that well. I'm sorry, I'm not a violent person. I had too much to drink, and I regret it."
Today, Hutchison, of Langlees, pleaded guilty to assault causing injury.
Sheriff Derek Hamilton deferred sentence until March 17th for background reports, and continued bail.
Defence solicitor Dick Sandeman reserved mitigation to the sentencing hearing.
