A BOOZED-UP Dalmuir man struck a pub-goer in the face with a glass tumbler after a festive drinking binge which had lasted for days.

Charles McElhill, of Glendevon Place, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court this week to carrying out the attack on his victim within the John Browns pub on Chalmers Street in Clydebank.

But the 31-year-old offshore worker was spared a prison sentence for the assault, which happened on December 21, 2016.

Prosecutor Craig Wainwright told the court: “At 8.20pm McElhill was playing pool in John Browns pub and was warned about the use of the rear door for going out to smoke.

“He was asked to leave, and refused to do so. He ‘squared up’ to members of the public and the complainer was struck in the face with a glass tumbler.

“It smashed and landed on the floor. McElhill left the pub.

“The complainer was found to be bleeding heavily from the mouth. Police and ambulance were contacted.

“The complainer was taken to hospital suffering from a laceration to the inside of his mouth and swelling to his face.

“No stitches were required and he has made a full recovery.

“Police examined CCTV footage from the pub and police carried out inquiries.

“They tracked down McElhill and he attended voluntarily at Clydebank police office where he was cautioned, charged and arrested. He made no reply.”

McElhill’s lawyer said: “He works offshore, and has been in that job for six years.

“At the time of this incident he had a fall out with his girlfriend and was very emotional. He is very apologetic for his actions.

“He accepts he shouldn’t have reacted in the manner he did. He is well aware of the damage he could have caused to his victim.

“He has £2,000 worth in savings.”

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry told McElhill: “Sometimes a person can end up in the High Court as a result of injuries that can be caused by a glass. You are fortunate the damage you caused to the man was not more serious.

“I am told you had been drinking for a number of days. This was no excuse.

“If you had ended up in the High Court you could have been looking at a sentence in excess of five years.

“Here I can only impose on you 12 months for this. But I am satisfied in your case that there is an alternative to custody.”

McElhill was put on a community payback crder to include 12 months of supervision by social workers.

He was also ordered to carry out 135 hours of unpaid work within nine months – a penalty reduced from 180 hours because of his early plea of guilty to the charge.

He was also ordered to pay his victim £1,000 in compensation within 28 days.

But Sheriff Hendry warned him: “If you breach any of this order I will not be so lenient.”