Your periodic reminder that office staff are often the ones in the firing line
Bit of courtroom dramatics as well from this daftie. Albeit via video link from HMP Perth
Knife thug flashed middle fingers to court during sentencing for Arbroath taxi office terrorhttps://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/news/co ... xi-terror/Richard Buick later apologised for his gesture, made as he asked to represent himself in court.https://wpcluster.dctdigital.com/wp-con ... 40x564.jpgA thug who terrorised a taxi worker with a knife in Arbroath flashed two middle fingers as he appeared in court by video link from prison.
Richard Buick made the crude gesture to Dundee Sheriff Court as soon as the link to HMP Perth started.
He then asked to represent himself, prompting defence solicitor Billy Rennie to withdraw from acting for Buick, who had said : “Listen, I’d rather appear for myself. F**k you, f**k you.”
He then apologised for his conduct both during the sentencing hearing and in January this year.
Buick, 45, had tried to force his way through the window of Abbey Taxis, demanding to know the whereabouts of his father, who worked at the business.
The court heard how he had wanted to kill him for six years.
Buick has previously been jailed for setting fire to his flat in the Angus town, as well as making threatening videos about his father.
Taxi office threatsThe court previously heard how the worker was just minutes into her shift at 6.20pm on January 30 when visibly intoxicated Buick – who she had never met – entered the office, describing himself as “little Richard” and asking for is father.
Prosecutor Charmaine Gilmartin said: “The complainer said she didn’t know his address and the accused became increasingly irate, shouting she knows where he is.
“The accused stated if the complainer called the police this would make things worse for her and her family.
“At this time, the accused produced a knife out of his jacket and began waving it towards her face. The complainer was terrified.”
Police were called to assist the “shaken” woman but were unable to find Buick nearby.
https://wpcluster.dctdigital.com/wp-con ... 11pzjk.jpgThe following day at 11pm, Buick returned to the office.
He told the woman: “I told you what would happen if you phoned the police. I told you.”
Mrs Gilmartin said the woman felt “petrified” because of what happened the day before.
Buick began kicking the internal office door and the victim frantically called police to help.
The prosecutor said: “The accused did not manage to gain entry but tried to climb through the small internal window.
“He managed to get half of his body through the window. She was again placed in considerable fear for her safety.”
Coincidentally, the same officer called out the night before was passing with a colleague and they managed to arrest Buick.
Accused gave own mitigationReports were ordered after Buick pled guilty on indictment to brandishing a knife while making threats on January 30 at the Kirk Square taxi office.
He admitted behaving abusively, kicking the internal door and trying to gain entry on January 31.
Sheriff Gregor Murray allowed Buick to speak on his own behalf but warned him about his abusive conduct.
Buick said: “I do apologise for that but it was very much warranted.
“I’d be highly grateful if you could just sentence today. I feel I’m the most mentally sound I have ever been in my life.
“I would like to sincerely apologise to the victim in these circumstances.
“I was under the influence of alcohol, cocaine and was having a deep conversation with a family member.
“Things have been triggered through drugs and alcohol which I’m going to stay away from.
“I would just like to sincerely apologise to the victim. I didn’t mean for her to be mixed up in this.”
Sheriff Murray, jailing Buick, said: “The circumstances must have been terrifying for her.
“In my opinion, you continue to represent a significant danger to others.”
Buick was sentenced to 20 months in prison, backdated to his February remand.
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