Coatbridge man jailed for more than two years after attack on taxi driver MATTHEW McCann attacked the driver after he had been called to a hire in Dalveen Quadrant, on January 12, this year.
AN armed thug who assaulted and robbed a taxi driver in Coatbridge has been jailed for 28 months.
Matthew McCann, Airdrie Sheriff Court heard this week, attacked the driver after he had been called to a hire in Dalveen Quadrant, on January 12, this year.
Prosecutor Agnes Meek told the court how McCann, 20, of Cumbrae Crescent, held a cleaver to the cab driver and demanded that he hand over a mobile telephone, a satellite navigation system and his cash, robbing him of all three items.
McCann then bludgeoned the taxi with the cleaver, smashing the windscreen.
Earlier the same day McCann had also stolen a laptop, case, and games console from a house on Fullarton Street.
Defence lawyer Colin Bissett said: “The report addresses the circumstances and his attitude towards the offences to which he has pled guilty to. It is very regrettable.
“He went on an alcohol and drug fuelled binge, instead of returning to custody.
“In sobriety he realises he was quite foolish. It was regrettable the taxi driver was called to this address.
“Mr McCann realises his behaviour was quite unacceptable ad expresses his sympathy to his victim.”
The court heard how McCann, at the time of the offence was on leave, while serving a jail sentence, and was sentenced separately at Falkirk Sheriff Court for his failure to return to Polmont Young Offenders’ Instituation.
Mr Bissett added: “He has pled guilty at an early stage and there was a full recovery of the items taken in the robbery.”
Sentencing McCann, Sheriff Frank Pieri told him: “Taxi drivers deserve to do their job without being subjected to conduct like this. This was an extremely serious offence.
“Your record does not make good reading as you have three previous convictions for assault and robbery with a weapon.”
McCann was jailed for 28 months consecutive to his present sentence which is not due to expire until July 10, 2015.
The sheriff reduced the sentence to 28 months from three years because of his early plea.
source:
http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/local ... wo-4700505
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