A HORSE racing fan who brawled in a betting shop and tried to choke another punter before HELPING him back up has been fined over the fracas.

William Docherty, 51, lashed out after being offered a ‘square go’ by a man in the busy Coral shop in Greenock’s Regent Street, pictured.

Staff looked on in horror as Docherty grabbed the man from behind, squeezing his neck and leaving him gasping for breath.

The other man then jumped on the accused’s back as the pair fought on the floor in front of stunned customers before Docherty punched his victim on the nose and body.

The man was left covered in blood following the assault, which happened at around 5.30pm on 14 September last year.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard that Docherty, who stays in the same street as the shop, had been watching horse racing.

Depute fiscal Kevin Doherty said: “Staff in the premises were aware of them engaging in what appeared to be banter but it soon became apparent they were arguing.

“Mr Docherty’s position is that it was a challenge to a fight outside.

“He then took hold of the complainer and put him in a choke hold from behind.

“He maintained it for some time so that staff saw the other man was unable to breath. They instructed him to let the man go, which Mr Docherty did.

“The man then jumps on Mr Docherty’s back and there was a struggle with both men ending up on the floor.

“Mr Docherty again proceeded to assault the complainer while he was on the floor, punching him on the face and head.

“Staff were repeatedly shouting at him to stop, which he eventually did.

“Surprisingly, Mr Docherty helped the man to his feet and the complainer left the premises.” The man was left with a burst nose, bad bruising and cuts but did not require hospital treatment.

Docherty, a worker with BAE Systems and a first-time offender, pled guilty to the offence.

Solicitor Derek Buchanan said: “He had been watching horse racing when the complainer invited Mr Docherty outside for ‘a square go’.

“The whole court process has been a salutary lesson for him.” Sheriff Thomas McCartney fined Docherty £540.