A homeless man was left fighting for his life after an attack outside his accommodation in Inverness.
Jason Ryan was knocked unconscious when he was felled by one punch from 20 year old Morgan Stubbings of Murchison Street, Wick on December 16.
The assault happened about 7.50pm on Island Bank Road, outside Rossal House where Mr Ryan lived at the time.
The victim was then dragged a short distance and Stubbings delivered another three punches to his head or body.
Mr Ryan suffered a fractured jaw and a life-threatening brain haemorrhage and he required surgery for his injuries.
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At Inverness Sheriff Court yesterday, Stubbings admitted a charge of assault to severe injury and to the danger of life.
Stubbings was due to stand trial before a jury but defence solicitor Graham Mann told Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood that a plea had been agreed at the last minute.
Fiscal depute Robert Weir deleted some elements of the assault, which included repeatedly kicking Mr Ryan on the head leaving him with a permanent impairment.
Mr Weir then told the court: “Jason Ryan left Rossal House with Morgan Stubbings and there was a conversation between them.
“Stubbings then punched Mr Ryan, who fell backwards and lost consciousness.
“Stubbings left but returned with another man and Mr Ryan, who now appeared to be conscious, was dragged a short distance away.
“Stubbings then delivered a further three punches to the head or body, it was not clear which.
“Mr Ryan suffered a fractured jaw and a brain haemorrhage and there was a danger to his life as a consequence.”
Mr Mann said that because his client was only 20, a background report would be required. He added that Stubbings had previous convictions, but mostly for road traffic offences.
He reserved further comments until Stubbings’ next court appearance.
Sheriff Fleetwood deferred sentence until January 7 and remanded Stubbings in custody.