Published: Wednesday, 22nd April, 2009 12:30pm

Man left brain damaged after thugs brutal attack

by Angela Murphy

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THREE young thugs are behind bars after carrying out a brutal attack on a man who was left brain damaged.

Adam McManus, 17, his cousin William McManus, 20 and Anthony Johnstone, 18 pounced on David Collins after chasing him in Johnstone last November.

Collins was repeatedly kicked and had his head stamped upon knocking him unconscious.

The 34 year-old was badly injured as a result and he now has trouble caring for himself.

The trio were remanded last week after admitting to assaulting Mr Collins to the danger of his life.

The victim had been watching football at a friend"s home last November 22 when he passed the three accused on his way home.

Neil Beardmore, prosecuting, told the High Court in Glasgow that after being chased the victim was repeatedly booted on the head and body "for some time".

The trio fled leaving Collins" unconscious with his face bruised and his eye badly swollen.

However, Adam McManus, of Acacia Place, his elder cousin William, of Tower Road, and Johnstone, of Chestnut Place, all Johnstone, were later arrested.

Mr Collins was eventually rushed to hospital where he spent four days in intensive care.

It was discovered that he had suffered trauma to his brain due to the attack.

The court heard he was left bed ridden and had speech problems.

Mr Beardmore said that as of February this year he was still undergoing rehabilitation and it is expected relatives will have to move in with him to help with his quality of life.

Adam McManus also admitted to another assault along with 19 year-old Craig McMillan.

Thomas McInally was returning to his home in Willow Drive, Johnstone, last August 8 when he was attacked.

The victim suffered bruising to his forehead but did not require any medical attention.

A fifth accused – Sean Sharkey, 16, was also charged with being involved in both incidents, but his not guilty pleas were accepted by prosecutors.

However, he did admit stabbing nurse Francis O"Neill, who was on his way home from a night out in the early hours of July 5 last year.

Sharkey ran after the 40 year-old in Aspen Place, Johnstone, and asked for the time.

But, before Mr O"Neill could reply, Sharkey – then just 15 – slashed him twice on the arm with a sharpened piece of metal.

The victim required hospital treatment and was off work for five days.

Judge Lord Woolman also remanded Sharkey, of Maple Drive, and McMillan, of Willow Drive, both Johnstone, in custody.

He deferred sentencing on all the charges until May 14 at the High Court in Paisley.

The judge also asked for an update to be given on David Collins" condition on that day.