An accountant who headbutted a woman and fractured her nose has been ordered to pay £5,000 in compensation.

Stan Ashcroft, 23, struck a single blow on the woman in Glasgow's Hyndland on May 2 2021.

A court heard the pair were in separate groups who had gotten into a dispute and the woman told Ashcroft to leave her alone.

The trial was told the victim's nose was cut and she was helped by an off duty doctor at the scene.

Her nose needed reset and there was damage under her eyes.

She stated in her evidence that her anxiety increased and almost lost a relationship due to the impact on her confidence.

Ashcroft was found guilty to an assault to the woman's severe injury and permanent disfigurement.

Sheriff Vincent Lunny imposed a restriction of movement order on Ashcroft, formerly of Edinburgh, who now lives in England.

He will remain indoors between 7pm and 7am for 10 months.

Ashcroft will also do 250 hours of unpaid work.

Sheriff Lunny said: "If it is not clear to you now it must be.

"You were found guilty of an extremely serious unprovoked attack on a young woman.

"This was a cowardly attack on someone who did nothing more than ask you to leave her alone.

"You gave evidence and I did not believe your evidence - I found it self serving and false.

"I did not know if you were lying to the court or lying to yourself.

"The evidence of the victim was clear and was supported by a sober witness' position.

"Had you had a record and were over the age of 25, I would be sending you to jail without hesitation.

"Most importantly, if this was not more than a single blow, I would be jailing you."

The trial heard Ashcroft - a senior audit associate - had been in Glasgow training and was out to watch an Old Firm match with friends.

His lawyer Christopher McFarlane told the sentencing: "This was a complete aberration, out of character, explosive moment which has had a considerable effect on two lives.

"There has been nothing before or since and this is almost three years ago.

"He wont trouble the criminal justice system again - this was the perfect storm - in many ways it's utterly inexplicable and he has had to live with that.

"Mr Ashcroft went out with friends, drink was taken and there were comments between the two groups."

Mr McFarlane stated that there are disciplinary investigations ongoing with Ashcroft's employer.