A DUMBARTON thug who attacked another man outside a bar in Helensburgh almost two years ago will discover his fate next month.

Repeat offender Stephen Diamond, who has a string of previous convictions for violence, including domestic assault, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last Tuesday alongside Callum Gamble in the dock.

The pair pleaded guilty at an earlier hearing to assaulting a man in West Clyde Street on July 12, 2018.

Thirty-four-year-old Diamond, who lives in Langlands Terrace, became involved in an argument with a man outside a licensed premise and proceeded to punch and kick the victim before pushing him to the floor.

Gamble, 22, who had also been drinking with friends in the pub, then came out towards the disturbance and kicked the victim to the face while the man was on the ground.

Police attended the scene and observed the complainer to have blood coming from his nose; he was taken away in an ambulance while Gamble was arrested.

A review of CCTV footage helped police identify the accused.

Last week’s hearing was told that Gamble, formerly of William Street, is now living and working in Edinburgh as a waiter.

His defence solicitor said: “He has expressed a great deal of regret and embarrassment.

“On the evening in question his judgement was impaired somewhat by alcohol.

“He has since moved to Edinburgh to remove himself from the group of peers he was socialising with at the time.”

Addressing Gamble, Sheriff William Gamble said: “You were in no position to get involved in the way you did.

“To attack somebody in the way you did is completely despicable.”

Gamble received a community payback order of 110 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months as a direct alternative to custody. He will also be under supervision for one year.

Sentence on Diamond was deferred until March.