Pharmacist ‘saw attack’

A PHARMACIST watched from his flat as an unconscious man was repeatedly kicked in the face in the street outside, a court has heard.

David Hook told the High Court at Livingston that he then saw the attacker stamp on his victim’s head.

The assailant then walked away from the scene of the attack on Calton Road, only to return moments later and again stamp on the injured man’s head.

Mr Hook, 22, who lived in nearby Tolbooth Wynd at the time, said he was wakened in the early hours by a chain rattling and a man shouting abuse. He called 999 and gave police a running commentary on the attack.

Steven McMahon, 33, of Restalrig Avenue, denies attempting to murder his uncle, Billy Johnstone, on August 16, last year.

The victim was left with such severe head injuries that he is now permanently impaired and in a vegetative state.

The trial continues.