Port film actor bit bouncer and spat on singer’s face

Ross Bell — who broke the bouncer’s skin with his forceful bite — was an extra in the tough coming-of-age drama set in 1970s Glasgow.

Bell, from Port Glasgow, lashed out in separate incidents in May and August during marathon pub drinking sessions after becoming enraged when he was refused more alcohol.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how the 22-year-old first punched a doorman within the Old Bank Bar in the town’s William Street and then bit so hard into his victim’s chest that he broke his skin.

Whilst on bail for that attack, he spat directly in the face of a female entertainer as he was being ejected from Cheers in West Stewart Street.

Prosecutor Kevin Doherty told the court: “Me Bell was extremely aggressive and lashed out by punching the door steward in the face.

“He was placed in the prone position and at this point he sank his teeth into the chest of the steward, breaking the skin and leaving a visible human bite mark.

“Police were called and Ross Bell was immediately hostile towards officers on their arrival.

“He shouted and swore and uttered abusive remarks in the area outside the pub, during a journey to Greenock police office and at the police office.”

Fiscal depute Mr Doherty said of the second incident: “Mr Bell is clearly not a man who knows how to behave on drink.

“He was again intoxicated and he required to be ejected from the premises.

“It is fair to say that he didn’t take too kindly to this.

“The complainer went to the door of the premises while Mr Bell was being dealt with by stewards.

“She had gone to check on her vehicle which was parked outside.

“Mr Bell made an abusive remark and spat on her, leaving his saliva on her face and neck.”

Bell, who is a member of the Glasgow Acting Academy, has appeared in a string of TV adverts — including ones for Erskine Hospital and property firm Rightmove — as well as BBC shows River City and Waterloo Road.

Defence lawyer Aidan Gallagher said: “He is disgusted at the behaviour he demonstrated on both occasions.

“Both incidents occurred when he had been drinking to excess.

“There are certain issues which clearly need to be addressed; first and foremost is the need to refrain from alcohol.

“He is genuinely ashamed, and so he should be.”

Mr Gallagher added: “His parents are extremely concerned as to the outcome of these proceedings, as is he.

“He has saved some £1,500 to pay compensation to the complainers and he has that money here with him today.

“These are serious matters, both individually and collectively.

“He is terrified at the prospect of custody.”
Bell, of Methil Road, committed the offences on May 29 and August 13.

Sheriff Iain Fleming spared him a custodial sentence, but hammered him with every other punishment at his disposal — including stripping him of his savings.

The sheriff told Bell: “It is only because you appear in this court as a first offender that the High Court requires me to take into account every possible disposal short of prison.

“I am prepared — just — to not send you to custody on these matters.”

Bell was placed on an electronic tag, confining him to his home between the hours of 7pm and 5am, every day for six months.

He must also complete 180 hours of unpaid work within 12 months and he will also be under strict supervision by social workers during that timeframe.

Sheriff Fleming also ordered him to pay his two victims £750 each by lodging the cash with the court clerk as soon as he left the dock.

The sheriff told Bell: “You have come very close to custody.

You have now used up every non-custodial disposal available, and if you are in trouble again you will go straight to prison.”

Sentence on Bell’s co-accused, Rhys Weir, 19, of Highholm Street, Port Glasgow, who struggled with police during the Old Bank Bar incident, was deferred for six months.

A spokeswoman for acting agency Real People Casting, which has Bell on their books, said: “We have always found him to be a polite and courteous young man.”