A MAN who groped a pub goer and later helped knock three teeth out has avoided jail.

Scott Griffiths, 34, and co-accused Steven Neilson, 34, pounced on the man in and around Glasgow Central Station on January 19, 2020.

Griffiths initially came to blows after touching the man's crotch when he refused the offer of a drink in the city’s Horseshoe Bar.

The fight spilled out in the street where Neilson also became embroiled.

Griffiths was later arrested and told officers that he “just felt his balls for a laugh.”

The man suffered three broken teeth and a broken finger as a result of the brawl.

Griffiths and Neilson pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting the man to his severe injury.

Griffiths admitted a separate charge of assault on the man.

The court heard Griffiths, of the city’s Springburn, and Neilson, of Gallowgate, were out separately to the victim and his friend.

Prosecutor Connor MacIntyre said: “Griffiths offered to buy the man a drink and he refused.

“Griffiths cupped the man on the testicles over his trousers.

"The man punched Griffiths which was followed up with everyone getting involved.”

Both sides left before a chance meeting at Gordon Street near Glasgow Central Station.

Mr MacIntye said: “The man hit Griffiths on the face before Neilson also became involved.

“Neilson and Griffiths both shouting at the man and his friend.

“Griffiths and the man started fighting before Neilson also got involved.

“The man hit him a couple of times before the fight was split up.”

The man and his friend were then tailed to Glasgow Central Station by the pair.

The man and Neilson exchanged blows which caused the former to fall to the ground.

The man remained in the fetal position while another unidentified man and Griffiths kicked him on the body.

Police later caught up Griffiths and Neilson.

Griffiths told officers: “I done that to him, I just felt his balls, it was just a laugh.”

The man was treated meantime for three broken teeth, a broken finger and a cut lip.

Mr MacIntyre added that he is “too scared” to walk through Glasgow city centre as a result of the attack.

Joanne McMillan, defending both men, claimed Griffiths was originally slapped on the bottom.

Sheriff Mary Shields ordered both men to do 100 hours of unpaid work and put them under supervision for 12 months.

The pair were also fined £500.