Attacker 'haunted' by brother's death

Ross Murray admitted punching a man and causing him severe injury at a house in Laburnum Road, Viewpark.

A man "haunted" after witnessing the death of his brother carried out a serious assault days after the tragedy.

Ross Murray, 27, appeared from custody at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Friday.

He admitted punching a man and causing him severe injury at a house in Laburnum Road, Viewpark, on April 27.

The charge stated that the victim fell to the ground and was knocked unconscious.

Murray's sibling Joe Buchanan, 35, was found dead on Springhill Street, Douglas, on April 13. Three men, aged 41, 40 and 21, appeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court charged with murder and were remanded in custody.

Solicitor Laura Kiernan, representing Murray, told Friday's hearing that he witnessed his brother’s death, saying: "He is haunted by that and has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

"Whatever sentence is passed on him he will absolutely require assistance with his mental health."

Sheriff Siobhan Connelly deferred sentence on Murray until next month for background reports.

She told him: "You will remain in custody given the serious nature of the assault and your record."

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