Evan Johnstone, 26, was spared jail after his lawyer said his behaviour was out of character and he 'makes a difference' to the lives of others. Johnstone admitted assaulting the victim under provocation to his severe injury at Motherwell's New Century Bar on June 9, 2024. Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Mr Thomson was punched and knocked to the floor.
The specific comments or actions by the victim that provoked the assault have not been disclosed. " Mr MacBride said Johnstone, of Pirnmill Avenue, Motherwell, had only one minor previous conviction, though the nature of that conviction is unknown. He urged Sheriff Liam Murphy to 'step back' from imposing a prison sentence.
" Johnstone will be confined to his home between 7pm and 7am each day for six months. He must also carry out 250 hours of unpaid community work.