A PUNTER kicked off in a bookies in Govanhill and ended up assaulting three people during the rammy, a court has heard.

Liviu Rostas, 37, appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court with a Romanian interpreter for sentencing after pleading guilty to the assaults.

The Procurator Fiscal depute told the court that two members of staff were working at Ladbrokes bookie on Victoria Road at around 9.50pm on January 31, last year.

It was close to closing time, and Rostas was playing a gaming machine within the bookies.

A female member of staff noted that he had become agitated and angry towards the gaming machine.

She told Rostas that his behaviour was unacceptable, and he spat in her direction and it landed on her chest area.

He was asked to leave, and upon hearing this the other male employee became involved in the fracas.

Rostas then spat at the male employee and it landed on his face. He then began to punch and kick the male employee to the head and body.

The Procurator Fiscal depute said the male employee fell to the ground.

Another man became involved and assisted the male employee to his feet.

The court heard that Rostas then assaulted that man by striking and punching him to the head and body.

Police arrived, and Rostas was cautioned and charged.

Rostas defence agent told the court that his client maintained that his actions were completely out of character.

His defence agent added that Rostas had blamed alcohol for conducting himself in this manner.

The father-of-five, of Boyd Street, Govanhill, appeared before sentencing Sheriff Kelly with no previous convictions.

Rostas avoided jail and was handed a Community Payback Order.

He will complete 250 hours of unpaid work in the community within nine months.

This was reduced from 280 hours because of his early plea.