A thug attacked a stranger while on a first date at a Glasgow city centre restaurant.
William Edwards, from Paisley, assaulted Ali Ahmed on Miller Street on September 28, 2024.
He was on a first date at Latin American spot El Santo before he got involved in a verbal argument with Mr Ahmed.
The situation escalated and the 27-year-old approached him with his fists raised.
Mr Ahmed also raised his fists as he backed away from the threat, while passers-by also tried to smooth out the disagreement - unsuccessfully.
Edwards called Mr Ahmed a "black b*****d" multiple times, then punched him in the face.
The victim swung back but fell shortly after the blow.
Despite this, Edwards continued to attack him by kicking him while he was lying on the ground.
Mr Ahmed fell into a disoriented state as a good Samaritan called 999 and remained with him until the police and ambulance workers arrived.
Cops found Edwards nearby and asked him for his details. In response, he told them: “Look, I will be honest, I was involved in a fight.
"I was at El Santo on a first date and talked to these two guys about designer gear.
"One of them came at me, so I cracked him. Then, his mate came at me. What was I supposed to do?”
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The joiner, who works at McEwan Grant Ltd, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday, after pleading guilty to a charge of assault to severe injury and a charge of acting in a racially aggravated manner.
Sheriff Mary Shields heard that, following the attack, Mr Ahmed was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary, where he required a stitch for a one-centimetre laceration on his head and had swelling to his face.
Edwards' lawyer explained that since this offence, his client has been convicted of two other violent offences.
He added: "The seriousness is not lost on him, he has a deep and genuine regret.
"He has an understanding of the impact this had on the victim and he is taking full responsibility for his actions.
"There has been a very positive engagement. Alcohol has been a factor in his offending but that issue is now under control."
Sheriff Shields emphasised: "He walked away from the man he kicked. The injuries are relatively minor considering the nature of the assault."
The solicitor admitted: "He knows just how fortunate he is that the injuries are relatively minor. This was a serious wake-up call for him."
For the assault, Edwards was sentenced to a year of supervision and ordered to carry out 300 hours of unpaid work during that time. He was also fined £500.
For making racial remarks, he was ordered to pay £520.
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