Student in coma after Glasgow city centre attack

A thug left a law student in a coma after an attack outside a Glasgow nightclub.

Rhys Kane assaulted Michael McElhinney, knocking him out with a single punch near Firewater on Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street last May.

Mr McElhinney, 19, had earlier tried to stop a fight in the street between two members of their respective group of friends.

The Glasgow University student suffered bleeding on the brain and was in intensive care for six weeks.

Kane - who had been hoping to join the Royal Navy at the time - could now be locked up after he admitted to the attack.

The 19 year-old pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr McElhinney to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

He was bailed as sentencing was today deferred at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

Both young men had been with friends at Firewater, before a row later erupted between the groups at a nearby takeaway.

Mr McElhinney stepped in to try and break up the argument.

Prosecutor Lauren Staunton said: “Mr McElhinney or Kane didn’t start the fight or throw the first blow.”

But both ended up becoming "actively involved" in the incident.

The court was told Mr McElhinney appeared to kick out.

Miss Staunton: “When he takes a step back, Kane punches him once on the head.

“This causes him to fall and strike his head on the pavement. He is then unconscious.”

Kane fled the scene before an ambulance crew arrived.

His victim was rushed to hospital for specialist treatment.

Miss Staunton said: “Mr McElhinney sustained a fractured skull and bleeding to the brain.

"He was placed in an induced coma for surgery.”

As well as time in intensive care, Mr McElhinney also needed physiotherapy.

Miss Staunton said: “He has suffered with his speech as well as problems with eating.

“He could suffer from the injuries in later life. His doctor stated that there was a threat to life.”

Mr McElhinney was in the first year of his course at the time.

As a result of his injuries, he has had to spread his second year over 24 months.

Kane, of Hamilton, Lanarkshire, was arrested at his home and stated to police: "Is the guy OK?"

Niall McCluskey, defending, said Kane was acting "under provocation" that night.

He added: “It is totally unfortunate the manner that leads to Mr McElhinney’s serious injuries.

“Kane is someone who, but for this incident, would embark for a career in the navy."

Sheriff Alan MacKenzie adjourned the case for reports.

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