Attacker hits man on head with spanner

A THUG hit a man over the head with a spanner in a frenzied attack, a court has heard.

Robert Baxter, 21, pleaded guilty on indictment yesterday to repeatedly striking James Hynes on the head to his injury.

The vicious assault in Marchwood Crescent, Bathgate, in April this year left his victim permanently disfigured, Livingston Sheriff Court heard.

Baxter, of New Holygate, Broxburn, West Lothian, had sentence deferred until November 5.

Mark Harrower, defending, pleaded with the court to free Baxter while background reports are prepared.

Depute fiscal Lisa McCloy said the Crown did not oppose bail.

Sheriff Graeme Fleming QC adjourned the case for a social inquiry report and assessments of Baxter's suitability for community service and electronic tagging orders.