A thug smashed a metal road sign in the face of a taxi driver after refusing to pay his fare.
Court Details
Hamilton Sheriff Court heard the stunned cabbie suffered a gash to his lip and had three teeth knocked out. Scot McCluskey, 37, of Abbotsford Road, Hamilton, admitted assaulting the driver to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
Incident Recap
The attack happened in the town's Glenlee Street on August 12, 2024. Rosemary O'Neill, prosecuting, said the taxi driver was asked to pick up McCluskey from a shop in the Ferniegair area around 9pm. She told the court: "Due to his demeanour, he was asked for a down payment with the rest to be paid when the journey was completed." McCluskey agreed and requested to be taken to Larkhall. He got out there but returned and directed the driver to go to Glasgow Road, Hamilton.
On arrival he alighted and was asked more than once for the remainder of the fare. McCluskey then picked up a large metal road sign and charged at the man, striking him on the face. The driver managed to take hold of the sign, preventing the accused from injuring him further. The accused then fled and the emergency services were contacted. The driver was seen to be distressed and bleeding from a severe injury. McCluskey wasn't arrested until six months later.
Court Proceedings
Defence lawyer Gerry McGuire said McCluskey was "less than clear" when asked about his version of events. McCluskey has previous convictions and Sheriff Linda Nicolson said she was "just persuaded" to call for background reports rather than jail him immediately. Sentence was deferred until September and he was allowed to remain on bail, but the sheriff warned: "All options are on the table."
