Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
‘No tick’ assault
Ned in attack at store over vodka
A violent lout assaulted a shocked Greengairs shopkeeper – punching him on the back of the head – after he was refused store credit, a court heard last week.
Intoxicated Andrew Gibson, 28, lost his temper after his appeal to pay for a bottle of vodka “on tick” fell on deaf ears.
He then grabbed the stunned staff member, punched him and fell to the floor with him before police were called to the scene at the Premier Convenience Store, on Greengairs Road, on May 7.
Gibson admitted his violent, drunken attack and a period of deferral was then ordered to allow for a series of background reports to be compiled.
The Hillview resident resurfaced at Airdrie Sheriff Court last Wednesday and procurator fiscal Susan Campbell said: “At 5.55pm, the accused entered and asked the complainer for a bottle of vodka on tick, the shopkeeper refused and asked him to leave.
“The accused refused to leave and began to flail his arms about.
“He instigated a fight with the complainer and grabbed him by his t-shirt and punched him on the back of the head, causing both to fall to the ground.
“Police attended and noticed the accused was under the influence of alcohol.
“The complainer had soreness to his head but refused medical attention.”
Defence solicitor Luke O’Curry mitigated on Gibson’s behalf: “He is in full-time employment. He is thoroughly ashamed of himself and advises me that he would like to offer his apologies.
“This is a local shop that plays a crucial part in the community. He was intoxicated and acted completely inappropriately when refused store credit and got a night in the cells for his actions.
“He is in a position to pay a financial penalty of compensation to the complainer and has no other matters outstanding.”
Sheriff Petra Collins then told Gibson: “I will impose a fine of £200 which I have reduced from £300 due to your plea and you will also pay a compensation order of £100.”