The father of deceased toddler Brandon Muir has been jailed for beating a man and his son unconscious outside a Dundee pub.
John Garty – also known as John Muir – was jailed for three years and seven months at Dundee Sheriff Court after admitting assault.
The court heart Garty, 29, left his victims Andrew Ramsay, 37, and Arthur Ramsay, 60, lying on the street injured and “totally unresponsive”.
Garty, whose son Brandon was killed in 2008 by mother Heather Boyd’s new partner Robert Cunningham, launched his attack outside The Town House pub, Cowgate, on November 22 last year.
Fiscal depute Eilidh Robertson said when Andrew and Arthur left the pub, Garty stormed after them accusing Andrew of “badmouthing” him.
The fiscal said: “The accused punched Andrew Ramsay on the head, causing him to fall over backwards and strike his head off the ground, rendering him unconscious.
“As Andrew Ramsay was on the ground he was repeatedly kicked and punched.
“Arthur Ramsay attempted to intervene and as he bent over to see how his son was he was kicked on the face by the accused and also rendered unconscious.”
Andrew was described by witnesses as “totally unresponsive” as he lay on the ground, while Arthur was described as “completely defenceless” as he tried to help his son.
A passing motorist stopped his vehicle and rushed to help and Garty ran off.
Arthur received a fractured eye socket and needed a metal plate inserted into his face. His son Andrew received a fractured jaw.
Garty, of Muirfield Place, admitted two charges of assault to severe injury, at Cowgate, on November 22 last year.
Keith Sym, defending, told the court Garty had “tragedy” in his life.
Mr Sym said: “He lost his son several years ago, with the man responsible imprisoned for culpable homicide.
“He has never had any input to deal with that. He’s never been to counselling or had the support.”
Brandon died aged 23 months from more than 40 injuries inflicted on him by his mother’s new partner Robert Cunningham.
The toddler died just three weeks after Cunningham had moved into heroin addict Heather Boyd’s flat on Balunie Crescent, in March 2008.
Cunningham was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for culpable homicide.
Despite Garty’s background Sheriff Carmichael said the severity of Garty’s attacks meant custody was the only option and jailed him for three years and seven months.
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