Former paratrooper left man brain damaged in attack

The victim was only able to leave hospital weeks later and continues to need regular help from relatives.

McDonald was today sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

He had pled guilty to assaulting Mr Druggan to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and impairment as well as to the danger of his life.

McDonald had initially faced an attempted murder charge.

Lady Drummond sentenced him to five years and three months and ordered him to be supervised for a further three years on his release.

The judge told McDonald: "You punched Thomas Druggan on the head causing him to fall to the ground and repeatedly kicked and stamped on his head and body.

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"You attacked him causing him to suffer a severe traumatic brain injury.

"He also suffered fractures to his ribs, his face and nasal bones. His lower lung collapsed."

The court heard the man ended up in intensive care and was discharged from hospital in December 2023.

Lady Drummond: "He has ongoing cognitive impairment as a result. He continues to rely on family members to assist him."

It also emerged McDonald had previous convictions for assault.

The judge: "The author (of pre-sentencing social work report) notes it appears you deal with perceived conflict situations with violence and, on extreme occasions, extreme violence."

Callum Hiller, defending, earlier said McDonald had previously "served in the armed forces for many years".

McDonald was also made the subject of a non-harassment order banning him from approaching or contacting Mr Druggan for 10 years.