Man pleads guilty to leaving victim with bleed on brain after Glasgow attack

A man who knocked his friend out with a single punch causing two bleeds to his brain was locked up today.

37-year-old Graeme Young turned on Stewart Barlow in Glasgow city centre on September 9, 2021.

The pair had earlier been in an argument about a historical matter causing Young to turn violent.

He was seen to push Mr Barlow and kick him on the body before striking the knock-out blow.

The victim fell to the ground and hit his head on the pavement rendering him unconscious.

Mr Barlow was later found to have sustained three facial fractured as well as brain bleeds.

Young pled guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the assault to Mr Barlow's severe injury and danger of life.

Young, of Stewarton, East Ayrshire, was remanded in custody until his sentencing next month when he will learn his fate.

The court heard that two witnesses saw Young punch Mr Barlow once around 10pm.

Prosecutor Sean Docherty said: "This caused Mr Barlow to fall to the ground and he struck his forehead on the pavement."

The witnesses attended to Mr Barlow who was seen to be breathing but unconscious.

He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment where he received a CT scan.

Mr Docherty said: "He had three facial fractures and two small bleeds to the brain.

"He also had a cut above the left elbow."

Mr Barlow told officers that his attacker was "Graeme Young from Stewarton."

CCTV was used to gather further information surrounding the assault.

Mr Docherty said: "Young pushed him to the body, kicked him to the leg and punched him on the face causing him to fall."

Police later arrested Young after he was identified as being responsible.

Ross Yuill, defending, told the court that the dad-of-two has been in full time employment for 17 years at the same firm.

The lawyer said: "Mr Barlow is his friend and were out for the evening together at a bar where drink was taken.

"There was a falling out because of historical issues caused due to the consumption of alcohol.

"This incident happened during an argument between them.

"My understanding is they have resolved their difficulties and are now on good terms."

It was revealed that Young has three previous convictions for assault but had not spent time in custody.

Sheriff John McCormick said: "This took place in a main thoroughfare in Glasgow.

"It is an assault where he sustained three facial fractures and two small bleeds to the brain.

"Standing the gravity and your record for assault and the consequences to Mr Barlow, I will defer for background reports but your status has changed.

"You have been convicted of an assault to danger of life and I will revoke your bail - you will be remanded in custody."

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