Wishaw thug jailed for "unprovoked" attack on innocent dog walker

-Credit: (Image: Hamilton Advertiser)
-Credit: (Image: Hamilton Advertiser)


A thug has been jailed for a "vicious and unprovoked" attack on an innocent dog walker.

Kieran O'Dwyer, 30, received 20 months for the assault in Northmuir Drive, Wishaw, on June 4.

He admitted knocking the man to the ground and then punching and kicking him on the head and body as he lay helpless.

O'Dwyer, who has previous convictions, was the subject of two bail orders at the time.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard the dog walker said 'Hello guys' as he walked past a group of men shortly before 11pm.

This seemed to annoy O'Dwyer who was arguing with another person at the time.

Rebecca Clark, prosecuting, said: "He punched the victim who fell to the ground. O'Dwyer continued to punch and kick him as he lay there as did another person in the group.

"A neighbour witnessed the attack, started filming it and phoned the police."

The victim was taken to hospital where cuts to his face were treated.

READ MORE: North Lanarkshire domestic abuse incidents higher than national average

The neighbour's film was shown in court and defence lawyer Matthew McGovern said: "My client was embarrassed when viewing it. He was squirming in the dock.

"He doesn't blame the victim who wasn't provoking him. My client was engaged in an argument as he walked past. He was under the influence of valium.

"He accepts, given his record and the nature of this assault, there is only one disposal."

Sheriff Louise Gallacher told dad-of-one O'Dwyer: "This was a vicious, unprovoked and sustained attack on a random member of the public innocently walking his dog.

READ MORE: Man had stand-off with police at Strathaven home after reports of domestic disturbance

"It's a matter of good fortune it didn't result in life-threatening injuries.

"You have a record for violence, disorder and breaching court orders and I would have jailed you for 30 months but for your guilty plea at this stage."

The sentence was backdated as O'Dwyer has been in custody since his arrest in June.

*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.

And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.

READ MORE: Teen left man permanently disfigured after 'horrific' unprovoked attack in Coatbridge town centre