TWO vicious thugs who carried out a shocking attack on a pensioner in the centre of Helensburgh have been jailed for a total of eight and a half years.

Christopher McGovern and Ross Bernard's actions were described as “utterly disgraceful” by a sheriff.

The pair's 75-year-old victim was knocked unconcious after he was repeatedly punched on the head, fell and hit his head on the ground.

McGovern, 33, then kicked the man again after he fell, before going through his pockets and stealing his mobile phone.

The incident happened in Maitland Street on the night of April 25, while the pair's victim was walking home from the pub.

McGovern's solicitor told Dumbarton Sheriff Court this week that his client had “heard something” about child pornography being on the man's phone on the night of the incident, but now accepted that he was “mistaken”.

“He has not suggested he was ever entitled to behave in that way,” Scott Adair said, “but that's why he did.

“The red mist descended and he lost control.

“He has a lengthy record, but in general terms it does not include any matters of violence.”

Bernard's solicitor, Roddy Boag, said his client also had a “heavy” criminal record, but that his last conviction for violence had been more than nine years ago.

“Mr Bernard was behind his co-accused when the incident started,” Mr Boag said.

“His involvement was very short-lived. The complainer went down, struck his head and became unconscious and Mr Bernard stepped back at that point and didn't continue his involvement.”

The pair pleaded guilty last month to amended charges following negotiations with prosecutors.

Both men – who were on bail when they carried out the attack - admitted seizing their victim, struggling with him, repeatedly punching him on the head and knocking him to the ground, leaving him unconscious, to his severe injury.

McGovern, meanwhile, also admitted kicking the man on the body, going through his pockets and stealing his phone.

Sheriff William Gallacher said: “When this case first called I indicated that I considered it an offence of the utmost gravity.

“You attacked a gentleman of mature years who was doing nothing more than walking home at the end of a night out.

“This court has an obligation to ensure members of the community feel secure and safe.

“Over the years, both of you have disregarded the community in a huge variety of ways, none of which put you in a position where you were unable to decide not to attack this elderly man.

“You, Mr McGovern, were not entitled to behave in the way you did. Vigilante-ism will never be tolerated.

“In both of your cases, what you did was utterly disgraceful. The fact this man's injuries resulted in no longer-term effects persuades me, by a very, very close call, that I can deal with this matter within my sentencing powers.

“Because of the gravity of the offences and your previous convictions, a custodial sentence is the only one that will work.”

McGovern was jailed for four and a half years and 37-year-old Bernard for four, but the pair – who were listed in court papers as being prisoners at Low Moss and Barlinnie respectively – were both told they would be put on licence for a further two years after their release from prison.