AN AMATEUR boxer carried out a vicious assault on his ex-girlfriend’s new partner at a Clydebank nightclub.

Liam Henry broke his victim’s nose in the cowardly attack at Club Mango in Dumbarton Road after finding out about the couple’s relationship.

The 19-year-old appeared in court for sentencing on Friday after pleading guilty to assaulting his victim by repeatedly punching him on the head and body at the Dumbarton Road nightspot.

Fiscal depute Emma Thomson told a hearing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court that Henry’s victim and his partner entered Club Mango on the night of December 3 last year.

Ms Thomson said: “As soon as they entered, the complainer was repeatedly punched to the face and body from his right hand side by the accused. He immediately fell to the floor, banging his head.

“The complainer was bleeding heavily from his nose and had a small cut to the left hand side of his head. The cut was cleaned by staff.

“He drove himself to A&E. He was examined by a doctor who said he had a broken nose.”

Police officers later viewed CCTV footage from the club on which the assault could clearly be seen; Henry was eventually traced to his home address in Angus Street on January 29, when he was cautioned and charged.

Ms Thomson added: “The victim had an operation to straighten his nose in December 2016 but it was unsuccessful. He still has a significant deviation to his nose.”

Henry’s solicitor, Mr McCormack, told the court: “Mr Henry had been in a relationship with the complainer’s partner for a year and a half, but it ended on bad terms when he learned that she had started a new relationship with the complainer.

“Some weeks later we get to the night in question. In his mind, seeing them together confirmed his suspicions.

“Given that the complainer was unaware of this attack, this should be described as cowardly and disgusting behaviour.

“In many cases like this, alcohol has played a part – he was heavily intoxicated, but he is aware that cannot be an excuse and he takes full responsibility for his actions.”

Mr McCormack said his client was a first offender and had no other pending criminal cases against him.

Sheriff John Hamilton told Henry: “Your solicitor is correct to describe this assault as cowardly.

“You have a number of advantages in life, and you have spent a significant amount of time devoting yourself to being a boxer.

“You should have learned, being a boxer, the requirements of discipline and focussed aggression.

“This was a night when you got that completely wrong.

“The description of the assault is repeated punching of someone – you are a boxer, he’s not.

“He didn’t expect it. You gave him a leathering, and that’s not acceptable.

“Hopefully this has taught you a lesson.”

Henry was told to carry out 200 hours of unpaid community work within 12 months as a punishment. He will also be under the supervision of social workers for the same length of time.