A HELENSBURGH man who admitted an "atrocious" sustained attack on an innocent member of the public has been ordered to undergo alcohol and anger management counselling.

Alexander Currie, of Stuckleckie Road, attacked the man almost a year ago by repeatedly punching him on the head, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly kicking him on the head and stamping on his face, to the victim's severe injury.

The 20-year-old's target was left with a fractured nose and needed surgery after the incident on August 20, 2017 in West Clyde Street.

At Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week, Currie sat expressionless in the dock as his actions were condemned by both his lawyer and the sheriff.

Social workers had to reinterview Currie after an earlier report had "significant minimalisation", said defence solicitor Kenny McGowan.

He said: "He is embarrassed by this appalling conduct."

Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said Currie's behaviour was "atrocious" and he was struggling to see an alternative to custody.

And he noted that Currie continued to drink alcohol at the same level as when the crime happened.

Mr McGowan pointed out that Currie was a first offender but accepted it was a "nasty, sustained assault" on a young man who asked him to stop.

He said: "He has attempted to convey his remorse. He has some significant growing up that he is required to do.

"He requires to be challenged about [his drinking], about his immature outlook on life."

Sheriff Hendry said the innocent victim asked Currie to stop but the attack continue. Other members of the public tried to stop it but Currie kept going. And when the victim got away, he was pursued.

The sheriff said: "I think this is a case that deserves a custodial sentence measured in years, not months.

"Your behaviour was deplorable. It beggars belief.

"I don't know if you can have a full appreciate for the consequences for your actions. With doubt in my mind, I'm not going to send you to prison."

Currie will be under social work supervision for two years where he must attend counselling or treatment for alcohol and anger management.

He must carry out 225 hours of unpaid work in the next nine months, and he will be subject to a curfew at home from 7pm to 7am for six months.

Sheriff Hendry added: "If you assault anyone else at any point in your life, I think prison will become an inevitable outcome."