AN IRVINE man who attacked a fellow inmate with a crutch while in prison amid bullying claims has avoided jail.

Derrick Gallagher, also known as Derrick Allmark, 34, pounced on Gary McGuinness at HMP Low Moss on August 4, 2019.

Gallagher, of Irvine, North Ayrshire, smacked McGuinness with his walking aid before punching and kicking him.

Gallagher pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting McGuiness to his injury.

Sheriff Gerard Bonnar ordered Gallagher to do 270 hours of unpaid work and put him under supervision for 18 months.

The court heard that McGuiness was pushed out of a cell by Gallagher and dropped his metal crutch.

Prosecutor Lauren Sangray said: "Gallagher retrieved the metal crutch from the ground and struck McGuinness several times to the body with it

"He thereafter began to punch and kick McGuinness to the head and body."

McGuinness was taken to hospital as he had suffered a wound to his head and hip.

Gallagher's lawyer told the court: "This was four years ago - his life is different now.

"This related to McGuinness' behaviour towards others in prison with Mr Gallagher's position of it being bullying."