A Stevenston man repeatedly punched a sex offender inside a court room after horrific details of child abuse images made him see ‘red mist’. 

Michael Fisher pleaded guilty to assaulting Blair Mullen for hoarding child abuse images. The rammy that broke out was filmed by others in the court's public gallery and shared on Facebook.

The 32-year-old pleaded guilty on October 24 and he was charged on indictment due to the assault happening while inside the courtroom on September 7 earlier this year.

Fisher’s defence solicitor said graphic descriptions of abuse made him see 'red mist' he appreciates 'bringing mob rule into court' is a serious offence. 

The description of the images provided in court was graphic and included one Category A video, lasting 55 seconds, of a child being subjected to a serious sexual assault.

Mullen avoided custody for his offence instead receiving a community payback order when he returned for sentencing on October 23.

When Fisher appeared in court the following day, Procurator Fiscal depute said: “The accused appeared on September, 8 and made no plea.

"The case was continued for further examination and he was remanded in custody. On September 15 he was fully committed and remanded. 

“On September 7 the complainer and accused were both in court 1. They were not known to each other. 

“From the public bench the accused approached behind and punched him repeatedly to the head. 

“He was arrested and conveyed to Saltcoats police office where he made no reply to caution and charge. 

“There was no injuries in this case.” 

Defence solicitor Terry Gallanagh said: “There are ongoing changes [to court proceedings] from the Lord President. Perhaps one should be warning members of the public of the potential graphic nature of pleas. 

“It’s said lawyers never think like normal people, often becoming desensitised. This was a particular graphic narrative related to child abuse. I would use the word complainer advisedly, as he refused to provide a statement.

“In essence the red mist descended, he described to me that he just had no recollection what he had done. He accepted what he did immediately and made no application for bail. 

“Mr Fisher is not an unintelligent man and understands the daily workings of court is democracy in action and bringing mob rule into court is a serious offence. 

“I would invite you to consider he did not go to court with that intention, he immediately regretted his misconduct.  

“The locus has brought this assault on indictment, there was no injury.” 

Sheriff George Jamieson told Fisher he was considering a two-year prison sentence, but persuaded to half that after hearing his defence's plea. 

He said the year-long sentence would be reduced to eight months – backdated to September 8. 

Fisher said “thank you very much” to the sheriff before returning to custody.