Police officers who were on duty witnessed a “horrific” unprovoked attack on a man in Coatbridge town centre. The officers quickly responded to the incident, rushing to aid the unconscious victim and providing first aid until paramedics arrived on the scene.
Hadi Atti, a 19-year-old, appeared in Airdrie Sheriff Court this week and pleaded guilty to assaulting the male victim, resulting in severe injury and permanent disfigurement. The assault took place on Main Street in Coatbridge on December 17. Atti’s actions were described as completely unprovoked by the police officers who witnessed the attack.
The victim, who was not acquainted with Atti, had been out for the evening and was walking towards a taxi rank when the assault occurred around 1 am. Kevin Morrow, the prosecutor, informed the court that the officers observed Atti punch the victim twice in the head, causing him to collapse and lose consciousness. Subsequently, Atti proceeded to kick and punch the unconscious man until the officers intervened.
Following the attack, the victim was taken to the hospital where he received stitches for a cut above his eyebrow. Fortunately, a neurological examination revealed no abnormalities. Atti, who had no prior criminal record, was arrested and admitted to the assault when charged, simply stating: “I done him.”
Atti, hailing from Paisley, awaits sentencing next month after the court deferred the case for background reports and an electronic tagging assessment. Despite his clean record and age, Sheriff Derek Livingston cautioned Atti that all options are open to the court due to the severity of the attack, which he described as “quite horrific.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of unprovoked violence in public spaces and the need for swift intervention to prevent further harm. Stay updated with the latest news from around Lanarkshire by signing up for our newsletters and downloading the Lanarkshire Live app for immediate updates and local coverage.