A pub landlord who snapped after being tormented by a banned customer has been jailed for almost three years. John Wallace repeatedly kicked Thomas Morgan at the Clachan Bar in Whitburn, West Lothian in January 2019.
Morgan had been suspected of vandalising the pub as well as claims he had threatened the 36 year-old dad.
Wallace was today locked up for two years and nine months at the High Court in Glasgow.
He had earlier pleaded guilty to assaulting Morgan to his severe injury and danger of life.
Lord Matthews told him: "This is the sort of case, on the face of it could have resulted in a five to seven year sentence – that sort of timescale.
"The circumstances here are highly unusual given the performance, for want of a better word, of Mr Morgan, who effectively provoked what went on."
But, the judge added such a crime still "cannot be tolerated". He reduced the jail-term from three years due to the plea.
A previous hearing was told how the men had "not been on good terms".
Prosecutor Chris McIntosh said: "Thomas Morgan was banned at the time as a result of previous difficulties."
Mr McIntosh added windows at the pub had earlier been smashed.
Wallace "suspected" Morgan – who already had a violent record - had been involved.
The landlord had not been at the bar on the day of the attack. He was at a children's party in Glasgow when Morgan contacted him.
Morgan claimed he wanted to resolve matter before his "tone change" and he threatened to damage the pub.
Wallace immediately drove to Whitburn and there was then a confrontation with Morgan near the front door of the bar.
Morgan was booted a number of times on the head and face before staggering away.
But, he ended up needing emergency surgery after suffering
0 Comments