A THUG who knocked a man unconscious with a hammer in a revenge attack has avoided jail.

Kevin Miller, 45, pounced on Francis Boyle, 54, at Rutherglen Main Street in South Lanarkshire, on August 29, 2021.

The pair engaged in brief chat before Miller took the weapon out a backpack and struck a single blow.

READ MORE: OAP accused of having weapons in her home without firearms certificate

CCTV showed Miller, of Rutherglen, casually walking away from the scene as Boyle was sparked out on the pavement.

He claimed meantime that Mr Boyle and other had badly assaulted him in the past.

Miller pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to Mr Boyle's severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Miller, who had his bail revoked at last month’s hearing, was put on a community payback order by Sheriff Tom Hughes.

He was ordered to do 200 hours of unpaid work and put under supervision for two years.

The court heard that Mr Boyle - a highway worker - was at an ATM when Miller was situated nearby.

Prosecutor Mark Allan said: "He removed a hammer from his bag and struck him on the head."

Miller then walked away from the scene as members of the public tended to the victim.

He was later treated in hospital for a head wound which was closed with glue which has left him permanently disfigured.

READ MORE: Former Celtic Boys Club manager allegedly performed sex act on teen

Miller was traced meantime and arrested.

Kurt Reid, defending, told the court: "This was a man who seriously assaulted Mr Miller.

"The victim did not recognise Mr Miller as the man he had assaulted.

"He reminded the victim and his attitude was one of 'so what?'

"The red mist descended."

The lawyer added that Miller - who has one previous conviction - had the weapon as he was helping his son move house at the time.