A DRUNKEN thug who knocked his uncle unconscious after attacking him with a bottle has been jailed.

Kilmarnock Sheriff Court was told that Robert Alexander was "absolutely mortified" by his actions as the 44-year-old appeared in the dock on Tuesday, October 15.

He pleaded guilty to one charge of assault in relation to the incident which took place at his relative's home in Saltcoats on May 27 this year.

That evening, Alexander was one of three males within the property - alongside his uncle and another man - with all three consuming alcohol.

Procurator fiscal depute Alasdair Millar told the court that the third man had, at some stage, fallen asleep - leaving only Alexander and his family member awake.

They continued to drink until the attacker, now described as a prisoner at HMP Kilmarnock, stood up and struck his uncle on the head with a bottle.

His relative had no recollection of events thereafter as the blow rendered him unconscious.

However, the commotion awoke the other male who was present. He then witnessed Alexander continue to punch his uncle on the head.

Following the altercation, the court was told the offender began crying and told the other male to "tell him he was sorry" before he left the property.

An ambulance was called due to the victim's unconscious state. He was later taken to Crosshouse Hospital where he remained for a number of hours before his release.

The victim required stitches for facial injuries he sustained as a result of the attack.

Alexander was traced by police the following day and asked officers if "he was okay" as he was taken to Saltcoats police office.

Addressing Sheriff Murdoch Mactaggart, Alexander's solicitor Harvie Diamond said: "You may be wondering in what context a man assaults his uncle in this way. For what appears to be no reason."

Mr Diamond then explained that Alexander, who had been employed as a chef, had previously had "a problem" with alcohol and drug use - but had sought help and had stopped his abuse of both since January.

The solicitor added: "On the night in question he went to his uncle's house because he wanted some cigarette papers.

"His uncle knew he was staying off drink and drugs but offered him a beer. Once he had this he kept drinking and moved on to spirits."

The solicitor told the hearing that although the narrative provided to the court stated that the other male had fallen asleep it was also the case that his client had done the same.

He continued: "He then became aware at this time that his pockets were being searched.

"This woke him up and he assumed it was his uncle doing that and he assaulted him in the manner heard."

Mr Diamond admitted that given Alexander's previous convictions there would be "no other alternative" than to impose a custodial sentence for the offence.

He added: "He is very sorry about it. He is remorseful about what happened. He says he is absolutely mortified that he did this to his uncle and wishes to offer an apology through the court."

Alexander was sentenced to 27 months imprisonment, backdated to his initial remand on May 31.