A man who was badly hurt when violence flared after a Christmas night out is to get £1,000 compensation from the workmate who assaulted him.
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Andrew Collins shoved the victim who fell and hit his head on the kerb.
The man suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain. He needed 13 stitches in a head wound.
Collins, 44, of Crossgates, Bellshill, admitted assault to severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment, and danger of life.
The incident happened in Motherwell town centre on December 16 last year.
Aga Mathieson, prosecuting, said they left their works Christmas bash about 8.30pm and walked towards a taxi rank.
She stated: “The complainer started to fight with the accused. This escalated and the accused pushed his colleague who fell and hit his head on the kerb.
“It is obvious from CCTV that he has lost consciousness. The police and ambulance were contacted.”
The court heard The victim spent four days in hospital and was off work for six months.
Defence lawyer Alan Murray said dad of two Collins was “deeply sorry” his colleague had sustained such serious injuries.
The solicitor said: “They are friends but too much drink was taken and for some reason no one can remember they had an argument.
“This led to a square go involving two drunk middle-aged men who should have known better. It ended in injuries to the victim that were unintended.”
Sheriff Liam Murphy said it was clear from a victim impact statement that the assault has had a “significant” effect on the victim.
But he told Collins: “I take account of what’s been said about the circumstances, your age and lack of significant previous offending.
“The criminal justice social work report assesses you as a low risk and recommends an alternative to a custodial sentence. I intend to follow that recommendation.”
Collins was placed under supervision for a year and must carry out 225 hours of unpaid community work.
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