Police officers witnessed a “horrific” unprovoked attack on a man in Coatbridge town centre.
They rushed to help the unconscious victim and performed first aid until paramedics arrived.
Hadi Atti, 19, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court this week, where he admitted assaulting the male to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement in Main Street, Coatbridge, on December 17.
The attack happened at about 1am. The victim, who was not known to Atti, had enjoyed a night out and was walking to a taxi rank.
Kevin Morrow, prosecuting, told the court: “Police officers in a parked vehicle saw the accused punch him twice on the head, causing him to fall and become unconscious.
“The assault appeared to the police officers to be completely unprovoked.
“As the officers approached, Atti continued with the attack while the man lay unconscious, kicking him on the head and body, then punching him.
“The officers intervened and carried out first aid while waiting for an ambulance.”
The victim was taken to hospital where a cut to his eyebrow was stitched.
Fortunately, a neurological examination found nothing abnormal.
Atti, who has no previous convictions, was arrested and when charged replied simply: “I done him.”
Sentence on Atti, of Paisley, was deferred until next month for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment.
Sheriff Derek Livingston continued bail but warned him: “Despite your previous good record and the fact you are under 25, all options are open to the court.
“This was quite a horrific attack.”
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