A MAN who hurled a boulder at a car after a row over a snooker game has been ordered to pay for the damage.

David Morrison, of Orbison Place, Faifley, pleaded guilty in March, just before the pandemic lockdown, to assaulting a man and attempting to punch him on the head at the Lucky Break, in Glasgow Road, on July 10, 2019.

The 26-year-old also admitted striking a vehicle with a boulder and causing damage to it.

Morrison appeared for sentencing at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week and his posture in the dock was immediately noticed by Sheriff Frances McCartney. She questioned if it suggested he wasn't willing to do a community-based sentence instead of going to jail.

Fiscal depute Danielle McGuinness said that at about 1.50pm on July 10 when the victim and his son were at the Lucky Break. That were sat next to Morrison and his father.

The victim and Morrison had played a game of snooker before Morrison went outside.

When he returned, Morrison "took umbrage" and called the man a "cheating bastard" and attempted to strike him on the head.

There was a verbal argument and Morrison was later seen in the car park where he picked up a boulder and carried it towards a car. A witness tried to knock it out of his hands but he picked it up a second time and threw it against the car door, causing it to dent.

The damage was said to be worth £600.

Defence solicitor Judith Reid said: "There was CCTV of this incident and it's probably fair to say this was a two-way altercation.

"At some point, there was an indication from the older complainer that he and the younger complainer should arm themselves with snooker cues.

"He was on a community payback order (CPO) from a case that arises later the same day. That offence involved a knife. He took a knife and started going to members of the public asking them to call the police. He was extremely distressed.

"It is a far from ideal way to seek help. It shows where his mental health was that day.

"He recognises the mental health is a significant issue."

Sheriff Frances McCartney said she was prepared to give Morrison a further chance.

She placed him on a CPO with 18 months of supervision by social workers, with a conduct requirement to attend any mental health treatment as determined. He must also carry out 100 hours of unpaid work in the community within 18 months.

Morrison must also pay £600 back to his victim for the car damage. A review of Morrison's CPO will be heard on March 23.