A MAN was pushed to the ground and assaulted during an argument in Glasgow city centre.

The victim was on Union Street on June 17 this year when he was approached by John McLachlan, 18, and Daniel Nixon, 24.

The pair appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court to be sentenced following the incident.

Jennifer Gilmour, prosecuting, said: “The witness recognised McLachlan. There were discussions about exchanging money which the witness was not interested in, so he walked off.

“At about 00.45, the accused’s approached the witness and pushed him to the ground causing him to fall. They both punched him several times to his body. They then made off along Union Street.

“Police officers attended at Union Street regarding a separate matter when they were approached by the witness who explained the circumstances.

“Five minutes later, police officers traced the pair.”

The injured man was conveyed to the Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment. He sustained a broken right pinkie finger, which was dislocated.

Glasgow Times:

The court heard that he was required to attend a follow-up appointment for finger exercises.

Nixon, who appeared from custody, was also sentenced for another matter which took place the day after the first offence.

Ms Gilmour said: “At 2.45am, the witness was working as a delivery driver in Glasgow city centre. He heard a smash from Evan’s Cycles on Bath Street. He then observed the accused with a metal pole in his hand, repeatedly striking the window of the store.

“He contacted police. Officers attended and observed the accused standing directly next to the damaged window with the metal police at his foot. When observing police officers, he attempted to make off.

“He was thereafter apprehended, and he was arrested.”

Nixon’s lawyer told the court that the taste of custody has now given his client a wake-up call.

He added: “He realises that he does have huge problems, physically and mentally. Alcohol is affecting his liver, but he is now getting the appropriate treatment for it. I can only ask you not to send him to custody.”

Sheriff Barry Divers ordered Nixon, of Govan, to stay within his home between 7pm-7am for a total of 211 days.

Meanwhile, McLachlan’s lawyer said: “The injured man and my client ensued a relationship through supported accommodation. The man had made derogatory comments about the accused’s mother who died when he was young. He reacted badly. He realises this is a serious matter.

“Unpaid work would be appropriate to provide him with something to do with his time.”

Sheriff Divers ordered McLachlan, of Milton, to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work.