Published: Wednesday, 29th April, 2009 12:30pm

Man scarred for life but no justice says family

by Angela Murphy

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A YOUTH coach who was left scarred for life has told of his anger after a court case collapsed.

James Love has hit out at the justice system after the man accused of assaulting him at a birthday party in Linwood walked free.

Stephen Main, 19, went on trial before a jury at Greenock Sheriff Court last week accused of the attack on James using a bottle or similar weapon.

He was cleared when the Crown dropped the charges against him after two days of evidence.

20-year-old James, who was bottled in the face in an alleged attack, told the court how he was rushed to the Royal Alexandra Hospital after being struck above his left eye when returning to his seat with a round of drinks.

St Brendan"s social club was shut down after the joint 18th and 40th birthday party on February 22 last year but no-one has been brought to justice for James"s ordeal.

The former Linwood High pupil said: 'I feel completely let down by the justice system.

'It doesn"t make any sense to me that no-one has been punished for what happened.

'Staff at the club didn"t phone the police so there was no evidence from the bottle.

'I couldn"t even defend myself when I was attacked because I was waiting on an operation for a fractured elbow after a car accident.

'The whole case was badly handled from the start when the police took too long to get back in touch with me.

'The scar dented my confidence for months after so I had to wear a hat, especially as I work with children.'

The court was told how, while sitting in hospital waiting for stitches to close the 5cm gash on his face, Jamie received a string of 15 text messages he believed to be from the accused"s mobile.

The sports coaching student added: 'They said things like "have a nice time in hospital, it won"t be your last" and "you deserved it.'

'Stephen"s lawyer tried to say I had sent the messages to myself but couldn"t prove this.'

'I wasn"t given enough time or help to prepare.

'The defence lawyer for the other side tried to run rings round me as there was no one to give evidence on my behalf.

'My advice to people in similar situations is tell the police as soon as something happens and seek proper legal advice so that you are prepared for what is going to happen in court.

'I was too nervous to worry about feeling intimidated or scared - I just wanted to stand up for myself because I know I am innocent.

'If you have nothing to hide, stand up in court and tell your story.'

Stephen Main of Stirlingate, Linwood, had assault charges against him dropped after the Crown decided not to proceed with the case.

Jamie"s mum Margaret, 43, said: 'It"s so frustrating that justice has not been done and there"s nothing we can do.

'It has been a horrendous time for the whole family and Jamie has been given so much abuse.

'You do the right thing by going to the police and get nothing at the end of it.

'When I heard the verdict I felt like I had been kicked up and down the street.

'But I am very proud of my son for standing up in court and sticking up for himself.'