AN INMATE who deformed a prisoner's face with a single punch to pay back a drug debt was jailed today for 14 months.

James O'Rourke, 33, struck Ciaran McDonnell to the ground in Glasgow's HMP Barlinnie on July 24 2023.

McDonnell was hurt so severely that his nasal bone appeared flat against his face.

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O'Rourke pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting McDonnell to his permanent disfigurement.

The court heard that McDonnell had just left the prison chapel when he was approached by O'Rourke.

Prosecutor Danielle McGuinness said: "O'Rourke punched him once to the mouth and nose which caused him to fall to the floor."

Prison officers attended to see McDonnell bleeding excessively from his nose while on the ground.

He was taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary for treatment.

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Miss McGuinness stated: "He was found to have sustained bruising and deformity to the middle of his face.

"The nasal bone appeared flat against his face.

"He also suffered a wound to the inside and outside of his mouth which required sutchers."

McDonnell was deferred to the ear, nose and throat clinic for further examination.

Miss McGuinness added: "McDonnell's nose was found to be grossly deformed and his septum collapsed."

Paul Gallagher, defending, told the court that his client was serving a 16-month sentence at the time.

The lawyer added: "He had various drug debts which included legal highs.

"His position was that to pay off these debts, he behaved in the fashion described.

"The victim is still in Barlinnie and he has apologised to the man."

Sheriff Paul Reid told the dad-of-one that he took his plea and timing of the plea into consideration when sentencing him.