A THUG who attacked and robbed a man at his home in Dalmuir less than two weeks after getting out of jail is facing a “significant” custodial sentence.

Steven McQuillan laughed as he walked away from the scene of the crime, a court heard.

The 35-year-old was due to stand trial at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week on charges of assault and robbery, but pleaded guilty at the last minute.

McQuillan, who was listed in court papers as an inmate at Low Moss prison in Bishopbriggs, admitted to injuring his 62-year-old victim by punching him on the head, causing him to fall to the ground, and robbing the man of his wallet, about £150 in cash and various cards at Ottawa Crescent in Dalmuir on February 16.

McQuillan was on bail at the time of the offence, and had been released early from a previous prison sentence less than a fortnight before the attack.

Fiscal depute Laura Wilcox said the victim opened his front door to be met by two men wearing dark clothes and masks.

Ms Wilcox said: “Due to not getting on with the accused, he told them to leave. They didn’t.

“The accused punched him to the head causing him to fall to the ground at the front door.”

McQuillan entered the property and then left after a minute inside at most.

The victim challenged McQuillan about taking his wallet but the thug walked away laughing.

The other man with McQuillan had stayed outside and did not participate in the incident, said the prosecutor.

Police were alerted, and McQuillan was traced within his home address at about 4.50pm, when officers found various items, including a bank card with the victim’s name.

McQuillan denied any involvement, but couldn’t explain why he had the card.

Sheriff William Gallacher said McQuillan had appeared at the High Court on more than one occasion and was still on licence for a previous sentence.

He said McQuillan was facing a “significant” custodial sentence.

Defence solicitor Kenny McGowan told the court: “He accepts he was at liberty for a fortnight at most. He has a history of difficulties, including drug issues.

“It is accepted he was granted bail on the day he was released from custody.”

Sheriff Gallacher said: “This is a horrible offence. You used violence to get what you wanted.”

He said McQuillan’s guilty plea had avoided the need to send him to the High Court for a jail sentence of more than five years.

But the judge called for social work reports to decide whether an extended sentence will be needed to protect the public.

McQuillan will return to learn the length of his jail term on August 27.