Slash threat to pub landlord

A Coatbridge man who tried to settle a personal score outside his local pub has been ordered to carry out 140 hours of community service.

Craig McVeigh, 38, threatened to “run a blade across the cheeks of the a***” of the Fountain Bar’s landlord on June 14.

McVeigh, of Bothwell Place, was unhappy that he had been featured on ‘pub watch’, a site which warns other pubs in the area about locals who have been ejected from establishments due to their behaviour.

The procurator fiscal explained: “It was around 10.15pm and the accused entered and asked to speak to the complainer outside.

“An argument ensued and the accused became aggressive, pointing in the face of the complainer.

“The complainer left the conversation and went back inside the Fountain Bar.

“But the accused shouted after him, ‘the next time I see you I’ll run a blade across the cheeks of your a***’.

“He also threatened to have the complainer beaten up.

“The police were called and McVeigh was detained later that evening.”

McVeigh was back at Airdrie Sheriff Court last week for sentencing after admitting his guilt and his defence solicitor, Paul Belardo, said: “My client used the Fountain Bar as his local but had previously been asked to leave the premises.

“He was then featured on pub watch which spreads the news to other local places.

“He was embarrassed and felt he had been treated unfairly; like a sledgehammer had been used to crack a nut.

“On the day in question my client had been drinking and wanted to speak with the landlord, but the conversation deteriorated into an aggressive nature.

“The report on him is a mixed bag; he still drinks alcohol which leads to behavioural issues and hasn’t fully integrated with addiction services.

“He is currently on a separate order but has completed the hours.

“I would suggest imposing a new community payback order with more hours and supervision. It’s his drinking that needs to be addressed.”

An unimpressed Sheriff Derek O’Carroll told McVeigh: “You have an unenviable record and are a violent man.

“I’m going to give you another chance but I’m not sure you’ll take it.

“You will be under supervision for 12 months and carry out 140 hours of unpaid work. This is to be completed in four months.

“If you do not fulfil every aspect of this order you will be put in prison.

“I am fixing a review in six weeks to see if you are complying with the order.”

Attacked a cop

A young man who attacked a police officer after driving through Bargeddie whilst over the legal alcohol limit has been allowed to continue his community payback order.

Harris Hayat, 20, was caught on March 23 last year and also used racially aggravated slurs to offend the officer.

The Pollokshields resident also drove while only in possession of a provisional licence and without insurance.

Hayat owned up to the offence and reappeared at Airdrie Sheriff Court for a review of his subsequent community payback order punishment last week – but vital reports were missing.

Defence solicitor John McGeechan said: “I don’t have the progress reports which were called for.

“But I understand my client had completed his unpaid work and is complying with a restriction of liberty.”

Sheriff O’Carroll said: “I’ll allow the order to continue.

“But you should be of no doubt that if there’s any form of breach then you can expect to come back here and not leave through the front door.”

Bail continues

Sheriff Derek O’Carroll has allowed a thug’s bail to continue due to the accused having other matters calling at Hamilton Sheriff Court.

Craig Robertson, 23, admitted behaving in a threatening and abusive manner on August 21 at a shop on Deedes Street, Airdrie.

The Viewpark man repeatedly shouted and swore and also struck the metal shutters of the premises with a bottle.

The offence was committed while on bail from the other matters being dealt with in Hamilton on October 18.

Sheriff O’Carroll ordained Robertson to appear back at Airdrie Sheriff Court on October 25.

Drug treatment

A man accused of shoplifting will return to Airdrie Sheriff Court next week – once a drug testing and treatment order has been prepared.

David Stewart, of Coatbridge’s High Coats, wasn’t present in court and remains on bail after Sheriff Derek O’Carroll decided he needed a DTTO report.

Thirty- four- year- old Stewart’s defence solicitor said: “My client should be here, although I’m not too surprised he isn’t.

“The report is good but he should be present today.”

Stewart is facing four different charges of theft which commenced last October, when he allegedly stole items from Farmfoods on Coatbridge’s Bank Street.

He is also accused of stealing dental products and suncream from Boots on July 12 and a quantity of cosmetics from the same Coatbridge Main Street store on July 29.

On July 20 he is alleged to have stolen razors from Tesco.

Sheriff O’Carroll continued Stewart’s bail until October 4.

The accused shouted after him, ‘the next time I see you I’ll run a blade across the cheeks of your a***’