A THUG who attacked a man at a cash machine has been fined £350.

Thomas Paton, of Dalharco Avenue, Patna, admitted headbutting the local in Ayr, seizing hold of him and pushing him to the ground and striking him on the head, in March, having previously being released on bail.

The 25-year-old appeared before Sheriff Carole Cunninghame at Ayr Sheriff Court last week.

Depute Fiscal Jennifer Thompson, said: “The witnesses were on a night out and went to the ATM at 12.30am. Three unknown males attended and began chatting to them. At that point the mood was described as agreeable.

But Paton became aggressive. He approached the witness who was talking to one of the other unknown males.

“He headbutted the complainer to the side of his face but did not make contact, grabbed him and pushed him to the ground. The other men attempted to usher him to safety but Paton followed and punched the man to the right hand side of his face.”

The court heard how this incident had been captured on CCTV but it was deleted automatically after 30 days.

Speaking on his behalf, defence solicitor, John Gallagher said: “Significant amounts of drink had been taken by Mr Paton. He became aware of an altercation and it was his belief that the complainer was being forceful with another individual.

“Mr Paton was of the view that the man was taking advantage. He proposed good intentions but he would not have conducted himself in that way if he had not been under the influence of alcohol.

“He takes full responsibility and expresses his regret for his behaviour. He is in the position to compensate the victim.”

Addressing the dock, Sheriff Cunninghame, said: “By the narrowest of margins you have avoided custody today.”

Paton has been put on on a 12 month supervision order and will completed 170 hours unpaid work in six months. He has also been ordered to pay £350 in compensation.