Threats made to taxi driver and cops

A disabled yob who threatened to beat up a taxi driver and kill police officers has been placed under supervision.

Stewart Mitchell, 34, became aggressive towards the Airdrie Taxis employee after the driver splashed him with a puddle when he pulled up to collect Mitchell from his old home on Black Street, Thrashbush in January.

Mitchell then spent the journey swearing at the driver and telling him he wouldn’t be paying the fare.

He was asked to leave the taxi but later called the firm’s office to demand to know the driver’s identity and threatened to“batter”any other the firm sent out.

Then in June, Mitchell shouted and swore at cops and threatened to kill them after being arrested at Hallcraig Street car park.

He also headbutted the police van and uttered sectarian remarks.

Mitchell, now of Girvan, admitted both offences and was back in Airdrie Sheriff Court last week for sentencing.

With his head in his hands and slumped in his mobility scooter he listened to procurator fiscal Susan Campbell describe his outrageous behaviour towards the taxi driver:“The accused immediately became aggressive to the witness after saying he had splashed him with a puddle.

“The accused began shouting and swearing, stating‘you are getting f*** all money from me’.

“The witness asked him to leave the taxi and the accused then called Airdrie Taxis to ask for the driver’s name.

“He used an aggressive manner, saying he would‘batter f*** out of the next driver that comes’.”

Ms Campbell then told the court about Mitchell’s actions on the night of the second offence:“It was 7.15pm and police approached the accused on a separate matter. He identified himself to police as a different man.

“On several occasions the accused swore, saying‘f****** pr****’and‘c***’, and was asked to desist his behaviour.

“He was placed under arrest and during the journey to Coatbridge police office he continued his tirade.

“The accused then began to headbutt the walls of the police van and shouted,‘if I get these cuffs off, I will kill you’,‘f*** the Pope’and‘f*** the IRA’.”

Defence solicitor Alexander Davis mitigated on Mitchell’s behalf:“He had no right to berate the taxi driver and matters escalated and he was unceremoniously removed from the taxi.

“The second matter took place after a local parade. He began to react [to the police] and lost his temper.

“This seems to be a man who, from time to time, struggles to contain his temper.

“Matters have not been helped by a severe deterioration in his physical wellbeing. He has been told that he is basically wheelchair-bound.

“He could be described as an absolute pest to the authorities when he takes alcohol.

“He fully accepts his record is one that could give the court concerns.”

Passing sentence, Sheriff Frank Pieri told Mitchell:“I will impose a community payback order with supervision for a period of 15 months, with a conduct requirement that you attend addiction services and mental health treatment.”