A THUG knocked a man unconscious outside a Celtic bar with one punch.

Alan James, 34, pounced on Patrick Masterton at The Brazen Head in Glasgow's Gorbals on August 8, 2020.

James went on to kick Mr Masterton while he was on the ground.

The victim laid motionless for a period of under five minutes.

James pleaded guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Masterton to his injury.

The court heard that Mr Masterton had been in the bar drinking when James arrived at the doorway.

James made his way out of the bar and was tailed by Mr Masterton.

CCTV showed Mr Masterton speaking with James and two other people.

Prosecutor Darren Harty said: "James was seen to punch Mr Masterton causing him to fall to the ground.

"He was unconscious for a period of less than five minutes.

"While on the ground, James kicked Mr Masterton on the body."

Mr Masterton was later taken to hospital where a wound to his nose was closed with glue.

Police caught up with James, of the city's Cathcart, who told the officers: "He went for me first."

David McCaig, defending, stated that James had lost his wallet and was re-tracing his steps that night.

The lawyer claimed his client had not been in The Brazen Head drinking but thought someone may have handed it in.

Mr McCaig added: "Mr Masterton went out and spoke to Mr James and his two friends.

"He said something which obviously caused annoyance.

"What happened was then a scuffle and during that, a punch was thrown - they were not known to each other.

"None of this would have happened if Mr Masterton minded his own business."

The case was deferred until next month pending an appeal for a separate matter involving road traffic matters where Masterton received a 40-month sentence.