A THUG who bottled a man in a property in Alexandria has been jailed for more than three years.

Stephen Fleming, listed in court papers as an inmate at Greenock prison, grabbed the victim by his clothes and hair, attempted to fight with him and then proceeded to strike him on the head with a bottle causing severe injury on September 24 last year at a property in Pappert.

The 41-year-old pleaded guilty to shouting, swearing and repeatedly utter threats of violence, acting in an aggressive manner and brandishing a bottle.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court on February 8, Scott Adair, defending, said: “He has a terrible record and he knows that it goes against him. In terms of the incident itself it is perhaps not the worst to ever come to court.

“He had shown and reflected well in convictions and got a new sponsor while in the jail process. His new sponsor will deal with him while in custody and will support him on upon his release.”

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “I told you at the time that your record was appalling, but the fact you were so willing to resort to violence simply because you didn’t think the matter had been resolved the way you wanted it.

“The matter resulted in significant consequences and the use of a bottle is a reprehensible act. I had to seriously consider whether I impose a long-term sentence.”

Fleming was jailed for 40 months in total, backdated to November 17 when he was first remanded in custody.

He will also be supervised for a further 12 months and must attend drug and alcohol counselling after his release.