Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Vandals target a town church and supermarket Man, 23, kicked a baby in his rage
Police are looking for the public’s help in tracing yobs who smashed windows at Clarkston Parish Church and a nearby supermarket.
Vandals targeted the church and the Tesco store on Connor Street between December 15 and the following day. This marks the second time in four months Clarkston Parish Church has been targeted.
In August, the Advertiser reported how heartless culprits tampered with graves of war heroes and smashed the church’s windows. The louts’ shameful actions had been terrorising residents across Clarkston over a few weeks, including verbal abuse aimed at residents, property vandalism and dangerously throwing objects at passing cars.
Speaking at the time, Rev Derek Gunn said: “The church is heavily involved in the community but is now having to fund money for the damage caused, money which could be otherwise used for community projects.”
The latest vandalism at the church is likely to lead to more church funds being spent on repairing the broken windows, with police observing CCTV footage in an effort to trace those responsible.
PC Brian Muir, of the Airdrie local problem-solving team, said: “We have had further disorder around the Clarkston area with the church and nearby Tesco store having windows smashed. Local and CCTV enquiries are ongoing to identify those involved.
“Clarkston continues to be a victim of youth disorder and Airdrie local problem solving officers are continuing to direct patrols to the area. I would like to urge the community to contact 101 or Crimestoppers, via 0800 555 111.” A Coatbridge thug who kicked an infant child has admitted breaching his community payback order.
Dale Boyd, 23, appeared in the dock at Airdrie Sheriff Court last month, where he pleaded guilty to neglecting his order, the details of which were not made clear in court.
Last year, the Calder Street resident seized his partner on the arm and pushed her to the ground, causing her to suffer an injury.
He then kicked a fivemonth-old child on the body during the violent rage at a property in Endrick Court, Coatbridge, on January 5.
Defence solicitor Luke O’Curry revealed his client was admitting the breach and Sheriff Frank Pieri responded: “This was an order given as an alternative to custody, so I’ll need to call for un updated report.
“I’ll defer sentencing while a criminal justice social work report is arranged and in the meantime I’ll release you on bail.
“You’ll return here on January 17.”