A man had his jaw broken in an unprovoked attack by his ex-girlfriend’s new partner.
Nathan McTaggart jumped over a fence in a pub’s beer garden and “blindsided” the victim.
McTaggart, 22, of South Place, Bellshill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.
He admitted assaulting the victim to his severe injury and permanent impairment in Old Edinburgh Road, Viewpark, on June 17 last year.
Rebecca Clark, prosecuting, said the victim and his girlfriend were chatting to a pal in the beer garden when McTaggart approached and made a comment.
She told the court: “Without warning or provocation, he took what is described as a big swing at the victim, knocking his glasses off and causing him to stumble.
“His girlfriend stopped him from falling. He said he’d been blindsided by the accused.
“The blow resulted in two fractures to his jaw. He had surgery under general anaesthetic, with plates being inserted to repair the jaw.
“Unfortunately, one of these became infected and he had to have further surgery.
“In a recent update the victim said he still has no feeling in his chin and bottom lip and his mouth doesn’t open properly.
“He has problems eating and is on a restricted diet. He has had further infections which led to him being off work.”
Ms Clark said the assault has also had an effect on the victim’s mental health. He has nightmares, can’t sleep properly, rarely goes out with friends and worries he’ll be assaulted again.
Sheriff Louise Gallacher deferred sentence on McTaggart, who has no previous convictions, until next month for background reports.
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