A MAN repeatedly punched a customer at an Inverclyde fast food restaurant to injury — then asked him why he called the police.

Declan McMillan unleashed a series of blows to the victim's head outside McDonald's in Port Glasgow following a 'minor disagreement'.

The 20-year-old made a beeline for the man after spotting him having an altercation with another person at 3.30am.

Greenock Sheriff Court heard how the victim had taken a taxi to McDonald's with a friend for a takeaway after a night out.

Prosecutor John Penman said: "The complainer was making his way towards the restaurant when he was stopped by a male and there was a minor disagreement and some pushing.

"The accused was observed running on the footpath and climbing over an outside table and jumping towards the complainer.

"He punched the complainer to the head and continued to punch.

"The complainer backed away and raised his hands to protect himself, and he was struck by the accused again.

"The complainer's friend got out of the car and went to assist him.

"Parties involved, including the accused, walked away."

McMillan had a guilty plea to the assault tendered in his excused absence from the court by lawyer David Tod.

The court was told that the victim — who suffered swelling and bruising — called for an ambulance and the police.

Fiscal depute Mr Penman said: "The accused approached the complainer to apologise for assaulting him and asked him why he contacted the police.

"Officers arrived at 3.56am and viewed CCTV footage which clearly showed the accused assaulting the complainer."

McMillan, of Methil Road in Port Glasgow, committed the offence on February 22, 2019.

He had also been charged with punching another man at the time but his not guilty plea to this was accepted by the Crown.

Sheriff Michael Higgins deferred sentence on him for his personal appearance in court until April 20 and called for a background report and electronic tagging assessment.