David Gallagher was sentenced to three years and two months in December after leaving a dent in a man’s skull after repeatedly punching and kicking him and using a hammer to inflict more pain and misery on the man.

The brutal attack left his victim severely injured, permanently impaired and disfigured.

Gallagher has also served a 12-month sentence for assault and robbery.

Appearing from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Tuesday (April 22), the 20-year-old stood next to his co-accused, Ross Paul, 19.

Prosecuting, Claire Martin told the court how police had been called to the Westhill Hotel on Glasgow Road in Hardgate in August last year at around 1.40am to view CCTV.

Patrolling the area afterwards, they saw four men on Faifley Road, one being Gallagher.

Ms Martin told the court: “He had his top off and was in possession of a meat clever.

“When the group spotted the police, he ran away and the other three males remained. Officers stayed with the three and asked for others to assist. Mr Gallagher returned and it was noted the meat clever had been discarded.” Ms Martin also told the court how officers returned to the Westhill Hotel to view CCTV, where they saw Paul “clearly in possession” of the meat clever.

Defending Paul, of Kirkintilloch, Mr Lafferty told the court how the father-of-one, who works as a kitchen assistant at the local golf club, had returned to the area to catch up with old friends.

Mr Lafferty added: “He was so intoxicated he didn’t know how he got hold of the clever. What he does know is he didn’t go out with it and it doesn’t belong to him. “This is not in his character to be involved in such serious offences. He’s from a stable family and in a serious relationship. The family made the decision to move from Clydebank because of problems with a family in the area. On this occasion, he had far too much to drink on a return visit to see friends.” Defending Gallagher, of Faifley Road, Faifley, Ms McTaggart said her client was “very remorseful” about his actions and that he had grown since his time in prison.

She added: “This is a different young man you see before you. He was in a spiral of criminal activity at the time.

“He has a supportive family and has worked since leaving school — he had a future outwith the criminal justice system. He took to drink and had negative peer associations.” Ms McTaggart asked Sheriff Simon Pender to consider a supervised release on bail after his current sentence ends, instead of imposing a further period of custody. But such was Gallagher’s record, this was not an option for Sheriff Pender.

In sentencing both, he said: “This is a very serious matter. The carrying of such items is all too prevalent in this part of the world and a clear message needs to be sent.

“Mr Paul; I take account you have no previous convictions and a positive social work report.

“But I cannot overlook a custodial sentence. Mr Gallagher, you are in a very different position because of your record.” Paul, who pled guilty to possession of a cleaver, was sentenced to three months in jail, whilst Gallagher was sentenced to eight months to run consecutively to his current jail term.

His earliest date of release is March 2016.