Jail warning: Coatbridge man avoids prison after taxi driver assault A WHIFFLET man who assaulted a taxi driver by twisting his neck and repeatedly punching his head – while he was at the wheel – has been placed under supervision and told to pay compensation.
Ryan McCluskey admitted the attack on the driver, which also included placing his arms around the man’s neck, at Coltswood Road in Coatbridge on April 14 last year.
Procurator fiscal depute Liam Haggart told Airdrie Sheriff Court of the lunchtime incident: “Throughout the journey, the accused had begun to annoy the driver, touching him on the neck while he was driving.
“It was made clear that if he didn’t desist, he would have to leave the taxi, but the accused did not do so and assaulted the complainer while he was driving.
“He was able to get out of the vehicle and the confrontation continued on the pavement; the accused struck him and this was seen by a passer-by.”
Defence solicitor Jane Ferguson explained that the 25-year-old, who had been at a party through the night and whose “perception was skewed because of the influence of alcohol”, had felt concerned about the vehicle’s speed.
Sheriff Petra Collins interjected: “If he felt that he didn’t help matters by assaulting the complainer as he was driving.”
Ms Ferguson continued: “This is a serious offence and he apologises for his unacceptable behaviour; he can see the effect this would have on the taxi driver and that it’s not easy for him to put that behind him.
“He was consuming a lot of alcohol at that time, which caused his problems, but hasn’t had any since this.”
McCluskey, of Lees Court, was placed on a year-long supervision order and told to pay £400 compensation.
Sheriff Collins told him: “This is a direct alternative to custody – if you breach this order, the likely outcome will be a custodial sentence.”
source:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local ... ds-3805285
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