A DUMBARTON man who committed a violent pub assault was told he’s “having a laugh” as a sheriff accused him of trying to manipulate the justice system.

Darren McCallion was placed on a community payback order earlier this year after he admitted a bottle attack at the Stag’s Head in Glasgow Road in May 2015 which left his victim with with a 2.5 inch cut on the back of his head.

The 30-year-old appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday for a review of the order – which included unpaid work in the community and supervision by social workers.

But the review was less than impressive, with a number of missed appointments since early September.

And though McCallion’s solicitor said his client had produced sick lines to explain his non-appearance, Sheriff William Gallacher said he suspected McCallion was not being entirely truthful.

Tom Brown, defending, told the court: “I think the social work department is just accepting what he says when he’s not attending.

“I’ve explained to him there comes a point when that just won’t be accepted.

“If he’s being told by social workers that the only way absence is acceptable is to get something from your doctor, that’s what he’s doing.”

Mr Brown said McCallion had obtained a doctor’s certificate effective from September 9, and another one from early November, both on mental health grounds, but had still turned up for some unpaid work sessions.

Sheriff Gallacher replied: “I’m fed up looking at Mr McCallion. There’s nothing new about this mental health condition.

“I read this review report yesterday and I thought ‘you’re having a laugh’.

“Justice is being avoided here.

“This accused carried out a very serious act of violence and I imposed the highest possible alternative to custody.

“He didn’t do it. He didn’t do it again. And he hasn’t done it again.

“The initial report made no suggestion of a lack of capacity to carry out the punishment.

“If it’s possible that he’s actually unfit I shouldn’t have been asked to impose this order.”

Addressing McCallion directly the sheriff said: “I’m fed up to the back teeth with this.

“I think that you think you’re the one who’s in charge, and if that is the case I’m not going to tolerate it.

“I think you’re manipulating the social work department to avoid compliance with the order.”

McCallion, of Dumbuie Avenue, Silverton, was ordered to come back to court on December 15 when more detailed information on his medical condition will be provided to the sheriff.