Man suffers fractured skull and bleeding to the brain after attack on festive night out

A man suffered serious head injuries when a work colleague shoved him to the ground after a Christmas night out.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard it happened after Andrew Collins and a friend argued as they made their way home.

The victim suffered a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain. He needed 13 stitches in a head wound.

Collins, 44, of Crossgates, Bellshill, admitted assaulting his colleague to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment, and the danger of his life.

The incident happened in Motherwell town centre on December 16 last year.

The court heard the men work as drivers at the Brake Brothers food depot in Bellshill.

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.”

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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 Michael Higgins deferred sentence until next month for background reports.

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