A MAN who left a rival worker with a 'life-threatening' injury after throwing one punch has been spared a jail sentence.

James Armour, 38, hit his victim, who fell and struck his head - leaving him needing emergency brain surgery.

The incident happened after arguments between the pair, and others, over work.

Armour and his victim had both been employed by different firms on jobs at the same building sites.

Greenock Sheriff Court, pictured, heard that Armour left the man with a fractured skull after one punch following an incident in a pub.

The court had been told that words were exchanged outside the premises and a member of the victim's group had pushed Armour's brother - leading to the attack.

Solicitor Paul Langan said his client had reacted with 'one punch which had catastrophic circumstances'.

He added: "It was tragic for the victim - and tragic for the accused.

"My client regrets his actions and is genuinely remorseful." Sheriff John Herald said that the incident has had 'considerable consequences', both for the victim and for Armour, who had initially been charged with attempted murder.

However, the lawman added: "The problem I have is that, while the consequences are severe, what caused this was one punch.

"While this could justify a custodial sentence, that is not appropriate in your case.

"The severity of the injury has to be marked." Armour, of Maclehose Court, Greenock, admitted carrying out the assault in Westburn Street, punching the man, causing him to fall to the ground and strike his head, all to his severe injury, permanent impairment, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

Sheriff Herald ordered Armour to carry out 250 hours of community service and to pay £500 in compensation.