A PROMISING Scots athlete who smacked a man so hard with a golf club it snapped in two has been shown mercy by a sheriff.

Ross Gray, 22, left Darren Foy scarred for life after the attack in Glasgow city centre last May.

The 25-year-old victim was scarred for life after needing stitches and staples for a head wound.

Gray yesterday returned to Glasgow Sheriff Court. The first offender had earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Foy to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

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His lawyer Ellen Macdonald told the hearing: “He is involved in sport. He runs for Inverclyde and received a bronze medal at the Scottish National Championships.

“He is ashamed of his own conduct and if he could have those five minutes back of his life again, he would behave in a completely different fashion.”

Sheriff Martin Jones QC ordered Gray, of Port Glasgow, Inverclyde, to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work.

He said: “Make no mistake, this was a serious matter.

“Don’t reoffend or you will be in very serious trouble. I will look at your progress and I expect glowing reports.”

Co-accused Kieran McIntyre, also of Port Glasgow, was told meantime to carry out 125 hours of unpaid work.

He had earlier admitted punching and kicking Mr Foy to his ­injury.

The pair were also hit with a curfew and will be supervised for 12 months.

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The attackers had each been in their cars before getting into a confrontation with Mr Foy, who had been crossing the road.

Mr Foy vandalised McIntyre’s motor leading to Gray getting out his vehicle armed with the golf club.

Prosecutor Derek Buchanan said: “Gray struck Mr Foy multiple times to his head and body eventually causing the golf club to break in two.

“McIntyre kicked and punched Foy on the body while he was being struck.”

Passers-by had to step in to break up the incident close to the city centre Five Guys restaurant.

The pair were later held by police.

Gray claimed: “It was defence against him attacking me.”