A SALTCOATS man repeatedly punched a cyclist outside a pub in Irvine – only for his victim to chase after him while armed with a knife.

Conan Healy, 22, assaulted the man to his injury outside the Auld Brig pub at the Rivergate Shopping Centre.

But the victim of the attack turned the tables on Healy by going after him with a knife following the assault.

Healy, of Fleming Crescent in Saltcoats, was spared prison at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week – but warned that he’s “getting close” to being locked up.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “On the afternoon of Saturday, November 26 the accused was in the Auld Brig Wetherspoons pub at the Rivergate, Irvine consuming alcohol.

"At around the same time, the complainer was in Asda purchasing scissors and a knife.

"At 4.15pm the accused was at the entrance of the pub smoking a cigarette. The complainer cycled by on his bike. The accused walked towards the complainer and made a comment about the complainer talking about his girlfriend. 

"He punched him twice in the face. The complainer then got off his bike, produced the knife he had purchased, and ran towards the accused.

"The complainer lashed out with the knife striking the accused’s forearm. They ran back into the mall.

"Police were contacted by members of the public. The complainer was traced at Irvine railway station and stated he had been assaulted and had retaliated.”

Healy was taken to Saltcoats police station and later released on an undertaking to appear in court.

Gillian Swanney, defending Healy, said: “He was with a friend consuming alcohol and in the course of the afternoon had a chance encounter with the complainer. 

"He had been told he had been saying things about his girlfriend, and the accused approached, punching him twice in the face. 

"He immediately regretted his conduct and handed himself into police.”

Sheriff Alistair Watson told Healy: "I've heard what was said about the other fellow with the knife, but that's a side issue.

“This is just appalling behaviour. It's appalling for the people of Irvine going about their business having to deal with this lawlessness during the day.

"However, you are only 22, and don't have a lengthy record, so I am prepared to step back from custody – but you're getting close to it."

Healy, of Fleming Crescent Saltcoats, was placed on a community payback order with 12 months of social work supervision.

He will also have to complete 150 hours of unpaid community service work during this time.