A DUMBARTON yob has been spared jail after he admitted being part of a group who launched a sustained attack on a man in the town centre.

Sean Smith, 28, of Barnhill Road, appeared at the town’s sheriff court last Wednesday for sentencing after he pleaded guilty to being involved, along with others, in the attack in High Street on August 27 last year.

Smith admitted being part of a group who punched the victim on the head and knocked him to the ground before repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body.

Defence lawyer Scott Adair told the court: “Friends were at a local take-away when a disagreement broke out over the purchase of cigarettes. Words were exchanged an a fight broke out.”

Sheriff William Gallacher told Smith: “Had you been entirely responsible for this you would have been looking at a different disposal. You got yourself involved in something that you shouldn’t have.”

Smith was put on social work supervision for six months and was told to carry out 150 hours of unpaid work. He was also ordered to pay his victim £200 in compensation within one month.