A THUG with a "fetish for weapons" has pleaded guilty to a violent attack with a machete in a Helensburgh street.

Connor Taylor, 21, admitted attacking Paul Wright at a property in Buchanan Road on November 29 last year.

Appearing from custody at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on August 6, he also admitted possession of a machete or similar.

Fiscal depute Rebecca Reid told the court that the incident was captured on the CCTV of a Nest doorbell that looks into the property, which was the home of Mr Wright, "an associate of the accused".

Taylor was seen exiting the property in possession of what appears to be a machete in the company of another man.

Mr Wright then appeared at the doorway and Taylor struck him to the head, which appeared to injure him.

Taylor, who was aged 20 at the time, then made off in the direction of Buchanan Road.

Mr Wright was given a CT scan and found there was a chip on his skull.

He received four staples for a "one or two inch" laceration to his head and treatment for cuts on his left hand, arm and leg.

At 9.25am on December 8, police attended at Taylor's home in the same street.

Sheriff William Gallacher said that despite Taylor's age, his record was "appalling", with past convictions for having a sword, a hammer, another machete incident and two with knives. His most recent conviction was for assault.

He said: "I have to take account of his age, but I have to take consideration of the risk to the community."

Turning to Taylor, he said: "It may be that the person involved is an acquaintance.

"I'm very concerned that you are, and might continue to be, a danger and the fact that you have so often taken into your possession a weapon.

"I have not closed my mind whether I have to remit you to the High Court [for sentencing].

"You can anticipate the sentence imposed will be a significant one."

Taylor, who was returned to custody after the hearing, will be sentenced on September 19.