Springburn man caught after footprints found on assault victim

A man who left another brain damaged helped get himself caught when his footprints were found on his victim.

Stuart Robertson had to be dragged away from battering David Coyle even after the 46 year-old was knocked out.

The attack in Glasgow's Springburn was apparently sparked when Mr Coyle made a remark to a woman Robertson knew.

The 37 year-old - who previously worked in stage direction - now faces a lengthy jail stint after he pled guilty to an attempted murder charge.

Lord Beckett remanded him in custody at the High Court in Glasgow pending sentencing next month.

Robertson was with another person when the victim was pounced upon in June this year.

The thug had earlier been in a nearby flat with friends.

Mr Coyle was punched and kicked unconscious. A witness then heard someone say: “You can't leave him lying there.”

Robertson helped drag the stricken victim away towards a path.

The court was told his head could be heard “banging” off stairs as he was pulled along.

After being dumped, Robertson then went back and started hitting Mr Coyle again.

Prosecutor Murdoch MacTaggart said this included Robertson jumping, kicking and stamping on the victim.

The thug had to be “forcibly” dragged away - but broke free and lashed out once more.

The attack eventually ended before a passer-by discovered a blood soaked Mr Coyle.

Mr MacTaggart said he was rushed to hospital in a “critical condition”.

This included swelling on the brain. The court heard Mr Coyle continues to require “on going support” following the attack.

Police later held Robertson. A pair of his trainers were seized.

Footprint marks had earlier been noticed on Mr Coyle's face.

Mr MacTaggart: “The pattern of the sole matched footprint impressions on David Coyle.”

Sentencing was deferred for reports.