Almost didn't bother reading this one, but a good illustration of the dangers of asking for money up front
Lucky not to get jail, though, and even his lawyer seemed to think it was inevitable with his history
Glasgow man slashed taxi driver's tyres with cleaver
https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/news/sco ... s-cleaver/
A Glasgow man slashed a taxi driver's tyres with a cleaver after a disagreement.
Andrew Hogarth ordered a car at 00.20am on February 26 this year to Kingsway Court, Scotstoun.
The driver was asked to take payment upfront due to a previous issue with this customer.
After hearing this, Hogarth crouched behind the driver's side of the vehicle and used a silver implement to puncture the tyre three times.
Then, he returned to the building.
Police were flagged down and the driver showed them the damage.
Cops were told the 38-year-old ordered a new taxi, which was intercepted.
Hogarth was arrested and appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week after he pleaded guilty to having an offensive weapon and destroying property.
The court also heard he used a "hatchet-style cleaver" to slash the tyre.
His lawyer said: "Not only are these offences cruel but they are particularly mean. It caused a loss for [the driver's] business.
"He is single and the sole tenant of his flat. He is studying at college in Clydebank doing a higher national certificate (NHC) in business. He has almost completed his first year."
The solicitor added that Hogarth resorts to alcohol, Valium and cocaine misuse and he is currently on an unpaid work order.
He continued to say that a woman was present at the incident and the cleaver belonged to her.
He said: "This item is an offensive weapon but it was not used for personal injury.
"My client does have a record but he is someone who can stay out of trouble. He would benefit from structure. He accepts we have passed the custodial threshold and knows this behaviour was totally unacceptable and fuelled by misjudgment."
Sheriff Jonathan Guy replied: "You are coming before the court with a considerable record.
"The offence has undoubtedly passed the custody threshold but I am not going to do that today due to the reasons set out by your solicitor."
The Scotstoun resident was sentenced to one year of supervision with the requirement that he engage with addiction services.
He was also tagged for 200 days, forcing him to stay at home bwteen 8pm and 6am each day.
Finally, 15 hours of unpaid work were added to his current order.
](./images/smilies/eusa_wall.gif "Brick wall")
