Paisley thug avoids jail after attacking man in takeaway shop after night of boozing

A callous Paisley thug who dragged a man to the ground inside a takeaway shop and then punched and kicked him has narrowly avoided a jail sentence.

Paul Sanderson had been drinking on December 9, 2022 when he assaulted Raymond Cairns causing him “permanent disfigurement”.

The two men – unknown to each other – were both at Papa Grill takeaway in Causeyside Street when 40-year-old Sanderson turned violent and “callously” attacked Mr Cairns.

Sanderson, of George Street, threw him to the ground, causing him to strike his head off the corner of a bench. While he lay on the ground, the brute then rained punches and kicks at him.

Shop staff were forced to break up the fight and while Mr Cairns was able to make off, Sanderson stood and waited on his food order while staff cleaned up blood on the floor.

Procurator fiscal depute, Jason Stark, previously told Paisley Sheriff Court, Mr Cairns had spent the evening in the Craig Dhu pub which is nearby the takeaway.

Mr Stark explained: “Cairns attends the takeaway shop around 11.30pm and engages with the staff there and thereafter the accused enters and also has a conversation with the shop staff.

“The accused and Cairns speak sporadically while waiting on their orders.

“Cairns was facing the counter and the accused was slightly behind him when he walks towards him and slaps him to the back of the head.

“Sanderson then grabs Cairn’s by the back of the jacket throwing him down causing him to strike his head on the corner of a bench at the takeaway.

“The accused then punched him to the head while he is on the ground and then kicks him to the body.

“Shop staff had to intervene and break the two up.

“Cairns then stands up and leaves while Sanderson remains within speaking to staff while they clean up blood on the floor.

“The accused was then handed his food and he leaves the takeaway.”

The court heard Mr Cairns made his way to Mill Street police station but he couldn’t get in due to the electric doors being broken.

Mr Stark added: “On December 10, Cairns reattends at the station to report the assault and he was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital by police.

“He required four stitches to his head which a doctor stated the injuries would result in permanent scarring.

“The accused was traced later that day and made no reply to caution and charge.”

Sheriff Brian Mohan slammed Sanderson, stating: “A drunk argument is one thing but once he smashed the guy’s head off a bench, he gets ladled into him then callously waits for his food then leaves.”

Defence agent Gemma Elder told the court Sanderson “accepts full responsibility”.

Ms Elder added: “This was callous behaviour indeed.

“Words were exchanged between the pair and Mr Sanderson felt somewhat threatened. He too was intoxicated and didn’t exercise the normal processes of thinking .He has been on bail for this matter since February last year which he has adhered to.

“He is aware this is a matter that could cross the custody threshold.”

Sheriff Mohan said: “I’m concerned about what I’ve heard here.”

Sanderson was ordered to carry out 200 hours of unpaid work within the community as a “direct alternative” to custody. In addition, he was placed under supervision of the social work department.

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