Scots thug knocked out OAP and left ‘blood pouring from head' at Orange Hall football awards do
BIGOT Scots thug knocked out OAP and left 'blood pouring from head' at Orange Hall football awards do
A THUG knocked out a pensioner and branded him an 'orange b*****d' when trouble flared after a football awards night.
James Clarke, 47, had been at the prize-giving evening at an Orange Hall in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, that was also attended by Hugh McLean.
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James Clarke, 47, was convicted at Hamilton Sheriff Court after his attack on an OAP was captured on a doorbell camera
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James Clarke, 47, punched Hugh McLean, 76, so hard he was knocked out and hit his head on the ground
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Clarke and his victim had been at a football club awards presentation at an Orange Hall in Bellshill, Lanarkshire
But after the event Clarke punched Mr McLean, 76, which caused him to fall and hit his head on the ground.
Horrified witnesses ran to help and saw Mr McLean had been knocked unconscious and had blood pouring from his head in December last year.
When challenged over what had happened, callous Clarke labelled them 'orange b******s'.
Police were called and Clarke was arrested after a neighbour showed doorbell footage of the incident to officers.
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Clarke, of Bellshill, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court and admitted assault.
The charge stated the offence was aggravated by 'prejudice relating to religion or perceived religious affiliation'.
Depute fiscal Rosemary O'Neill told the court: "Witnesses observed Mr McLean with another male on the grass area where they were parked.
"The accused approached Mr McLean and punched him on the head causing him to fall and strike his head on the path.
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"They exited their vehicle and approached both the complainer and the accused, noting that Mr McLean was unconscious and bleeding from his head.
"They immediately recognised the accused from the same engagement they had been at earlier that evening and challenged him where he proceeded to call them 'orange b******s'.
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"Police were called and another witness approached to provide CCTV from his doorbell and were able to identify the accused."
Scott Jones, defending, said: "I am aware of the nature of the social function, it took place in the local Orange Hall and it was a football team presentation dance."
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Sheriff John Hamilton KC deferred sentence on the first offender until August for reports and continued bail.
A charge that alleged Clarke had behaved in a threatening or abusive manner was dropped by prosecutors.
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