Stewarton man attack gave victim TWO bleeds to the brain

Graeme Young, 37, turned on Stewart Barlow on September 9, 2021.

The pair had earlier got into an argument about a historical matter, after which Young turned violent.

Young was seen to push Mr Barlow, and kick him on the body before striking the knock-out blow.

The stricken victim fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement which rendered him unconscious.

Mr Barlow was later found to have sustained three facial fractures as well as brain bleeds.

Young pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Barlow to his severe injury and to the danger of his life.

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Young had previously been on bail, but following his plea he was remanded in custody until his sentencing next month.

A hearing on Thursday, March 14 was told that two witnesses had seen Young punch Mr Barlow once around 10pm.

Prosecutor Sean Docherty said: "This caused Mr Barlow to fall to the ground and he struck his forehead on the pavement."

The witnesses attended to Mr Barlow, who was seen to be breathing but unconscious.

He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment, where he received a CT scan.

Mr Docherty said: "He had three facial fractures and two small bleeds to the brain.

"He also had a cut above the left elbow."

Glasgow Sheriff Court, where Stewarton man Graeme Young was remanded in custody after his guilty plea. (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Barlow told officers that his attacker was "Graeme Young from Stewarton".

CCTV was used to gather further information surrounding the assault.

Mr Docherty said: "Young pushed him to the body, kicked him to the leg and punched him on the face causing him to fall."

Police later arrested Young after he was identified as being responsible.

Ross Yuill, defending, told the court that Young, a father of two, had been in full-time employment for 17 years at the same firm.

The lawyer said: "Mr Barlow is his friend, and they were out for the evening together at a bar where drink was taken.

"There was a falling out because of historical issues caused due to the consumption of alcohol.

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"This incident happened during an argument between them.

"My understanding is they have resolved their difficulties and are now on good terms."

It was revealed that Young has three past convictions for assault, but had not previously spent time in custody.

Sheriff John McCormick said: "This took place in a main thoroughfare in Glasgow.

"It is an assault where he sustained three facial fractures and two small bleeds to the brain.

"Standing the gravity, and your record for assault and the consequences to Mr Barlow, I will defer for background reports, but your status has changed.

"You have been convicted of an assault to danger of life, and I will revoke your bail - you will be remanded in custody."