Man left food bank user scarred for life in baton attack

A man left a food bank user scarred for life after attacking him with a baton in Fife.

Alexander Russell, 32, leapt out of a van and pounced on Kevin Stewart in March last year as he was walking along a street in Methil.

The victim was left with a fractured cheekbone and several head wounds after being repeatedly battered on the head and body as well as being kicked and punched.

A shocked witness captured photos of Russell clutching the weapon with a blood soaked Mr Stewart nearby.

Russell now faces a lengthy jail-term after he pled guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to assaulting Mr Stewart to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

Prosecutor Eric Robertson told how the victim was carrying two heavy shopping bags from a food bank when he was attacked.

He added: “A red van stopped nearby and Russell got out from the passenger side.

“He was holding by his side a wooden bat wrapped in black tape.”

The thug immediately lashed out and Mr Stewart “did not fight back”.

Mr Stewart tried to escape into a nearby garden, but was chased by his attacker, who continued the assault.

Mr Robertson told the court: “Kevin Stewart shouted at Russell to stop. His friend also pleaded with him. The incident lasted several minutes.”

A couple whose garden the victim fled to witnessed the attack and dialled 999.

The advocate depute said: “The man who lived there took photographs of both Russell and Kevin Stewart.

“One showed Kevin Stewart trying to get to his feet, his face covered in blood.

“The other showed Russell standing holding a black bat in his hand.”

Blood-splattered Russell tried to flee when police arrived.

He later boasted he would assault Mr Stewart “whenever the opportunity arose”.