A LARGS who fractured a man's eye socket in an attack which was recorded on a mobile phone has been spared a prison sentence.

Stephen McKnight, 29, pounced on Andrew Gardner in Glasgow city centre on September 9, 2022.

McKnight was seen to punch Mr Gardner on the face in an attack which caused the bleeding victim to fall to the ground.

The attacker fled the scene, but was caught by police due to the recording, which helped identify McKnight as being involved.

The victim was treated at hospital for a displaced cheekbone as well as the fractured eye socket.

McKnight had previously pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Gardner to his severe injury.

Sheriff Andrew Cubie ordered McKnight to do 250 hours of unpaid work and put him under social work supervision for 18 months.

McKnight will also have to pay Mr Gardner £1,500 in compensation.

The court heard that witnesses became aware of a disturbance between the two men on Sauchiehall Street.

Prosecutor Ryan Watson said: "One witness took his phone out to film the ongoing altercation.

"At this time, McKnight lunged forward and punched the victim to the face, causing his nose to bleed and him to fall to the ground.

"McKnight then made off on foot."

Police were approached by Mr Gardner, whose nose was still bleeding, but he was unable to recall events.

Mr Watson said: "Officers viewed the aforementioned video and took a still shot of McKnight on their devices for identification purposes."

Mr Gardner was then taken to hospital for treatment for a displaced cheekbone, fractured eye socket and facial bones.

He was given the option of an operation to move the cheekbone back into placem but there were potential risks to the eyeball and facial nerves.

Officers later spotted McKnight walking on Sauchiehall Street. He was arrested and taken to a police station.