Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Readers condemn the attacker who fractured pensioner taxi driver’s finger
Last week’s Advertiser reported on how a pensioner taxi driver suffered a fractured finger after being set upon in a terrifying lunchtime attack.
The 67-year-old man’s vehicle was parked on Gartlea Avenue in Airdrie when the assailant struck after losing his temper when refused a fare, punching the driver repeatedly on the face and body.
Our Facebook readers lined up to condemn the attacker, with Elaine McMath Patrick saying: “Disgusting and vile to do this to a pensioner who is still working to earn a wage!
“Hope he is better soon and this doesn’t stop him from getting out in his taxi.”
Sharon Osborne posted: “Thank God my hubby is out of taxi driving now. I really hope the driver involved is OK and they catch the person that did this.” Martin Be simply said: “What a scumbag.” Maureen Wood asked: “What is this world coming to?”
Jennifer O’Halloran added: “Must have been terrifying for the victim. Sounds like he was lucky to avoid serious injuries.”
In happier news from last week’s Advertiser, big-hearted Coatbridge festive fundraiser Alistair Doyle revealed he had broken his own annual charity donation record, thanks to the kindness of generous locals.
Families who visited the spectacular Christmas illuminations at his Kirkwood home contributed to the phenomenal £12,750 the pensioner was able to deliver to Ronald McDonald House at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, taking his overall collection to an astounding £50,979 in just 11 years.
Granny Offive hailed Alistair’s kindness: “Fantastic, Alistair, you are inspirational! Why doesn’t someone nominate Alistair for the Queen’s honours list for what he’s achieved over the years?”
Sharron-Louise Donnelly: “Love Alistair! What a man, his whole life dedicated to the greater good for children.”