A BARRHEAD thug who attacked two customers and a bouncer at an Irish pub has dodged a prison sentence.

Matthew Burns, 31, was at Kitty O'Shea's, in Glasgow city centre, on the night of March 2 when violence erupted.

He approached a table where two men were sitting and grabbed one of them by the throat with both of his hands.

Boozed-up Burns then pushed him, before punching the other man on the back of the head several times.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that the attack "appeared to be unprovoked" and took place whilst Burns was on bail.

He was escorted from the pub but remained nearby and, a short time later, he approached a security guard who was standing outside and punched him to the side of the head.

Prosecutor Laura Martin told the court: "He continued to assault the security guard by punching him multiple times to the head and body, before taking him to the ground.

"Police attended. An officer asked the accused to provide his details, to which he replied 'you don't belong in this country, I'll make sure once you're fired you will go back to where you came from.'

"He was arrested and later cautioned and charged, to which he made no reply."

Burns appeared in court from custody, after being remanded on June 1.

His lawyer said: "He had been drinking heavily from 2pm and had been out with a friend earlier. He was in the pub on his own and consumed a large quantity of alcohol.

"He clearly expresses remorse for the involvement in events. His partner is present in court to support him.

"A community-based disposal would be appropriate. It would be a direct alternative to custody. He advises me he would comply."

Sheriff Allan Findlay ordered Burns to wear a tag and stay within his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am for the next three months.

Burns was told this was a direct alternative to a prison term.

Sheriff Findlay informed him: "The sentence reflects the time you spent on remand."