Stephen McKechnie previously pleaded guilty to acting with two others and carrying out the assault on Mountblow Road on August 15 last year.

The 20 year old pursued the man, threw a bottle at him then repeatedly punched and kicked him on the head and body.

McKechnie, of Crescent Court, struck his victim on the head and body with shopping baskets and pulled him to the ground, repeatedly stamping on his head and leaving him unconscious, all to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

In a separate charge, McKechnie admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by shouting and swearing at Dalmuir Golf Club on the same date.

Joanna Mortimer, defending, told Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week sentencing on her client had previously been deferred for a report to be prepared but it was not available because McKechnie had not turned up to the social work department.

Ms Mortimer said: “He tells me it was his belief that the social work department would call at his home address to meet with him and prepare the report.

“He did not appreciate a letter would be sent out, giving him details of an appointment.” The defence agent told the court McKechnie called her when he had not heard anything but added that there had been a further mix up with McKechnie’s appointment.

She continued: “His door was put in a couple of weeks ago. He had a temporary door put in by the council and his mail is being delivered to a neighbour.

“Yesterday, his neighbour came to the door with the bundle of mail — including the letter advising him to his appointment.” Sheriff Simon Pender adjourned the matter to obtain the report previously called for. McKechnie will return to court for sentencing next month.