Homeless man pleads guilty to assault after 'being offered cash'

A homeless man carried out a bottle attack on a man who tried to give him money.

Mark Griffiths (34) hit Alan Brown in Glasgow's Argyle Street in February this year.

The 47 year-old victim was left scarred for life after suffering a facial wound.

Griffiths was on four separate bail orders when he struck.

He now faces a jail-term after he pled guilty to assaulting Mr Brown to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Griffiths will learn his fate next month.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Griffiths had been sleeping rough in the city centre.

Prosecutor Marie McCue said: “Mr Brown saw the man sitting on the pavement and offered him £10.

“Griffiths became flustered and annoyed."

Griffiths initially swung a punch before smacking the victim with the bottle.

Mr Brown fled to a nearby casino and a 999 call was made.

Police soon held Griffiths, who stated: "Aye, I did it - but he kicked me first."

Police cautioned and charged Griffiths.

Mr Brown needed six stitches for an injury to his cheek.

Ross Yuill, defending, said Griffiths claims Mr Brown had made a comment of a "sexual nature" to him.

The lawyer added: "This made him jump up. He was not flustered by the offer of the £10 nor was he impressed at all."

Sheriff Joseph Platt asked to view CCTV at the hearing next month.

He said: "A defence position has been made, but it may not be true, so I will continue the case for these other factors."

Griffiths was remanded meantime.