Jailed for violent Tesco outburst

A man who assaulted two police officers after losing his temper when a cash machine swallowed his bank card has been jailed.

Craig Donaldson, 37, attempted to headbutt the officers in front of the Tesco Express store on Coatbridge’s Woodside Street last October.

The Torriden Court resident will now spend 160 days behind bars after pleading guilty to the violent actions in the shop full of shocked customers and children.

The court heard how Donaldson threw the officers into shelves and around the store after demanding that Tesco“pay his bills”due to their machine swallowing his bank card.

His behaviour also led to a female officer visiting University Hospital Monklands after she was hurt by her own pepper spray in the melee.

The procurator fiscal read:“Police were called to attend Tesco Express in connection with a male causing a disturbance.

“On arrival they saw him shouting and swearing, angry that the cash machine outside had swallowed his card.

“They observed him to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“Officers tried to advise him to calm down but he shouted ,’who’s gonna pay my bills, I need money!’

“He was then asked to leave the shop but continued to alarm witnesses and kids in the store by shouting.

“Officers tried to put their hands on him to arrest him for the disturbance but the accused suddenly changed his posture, stood tall and clenched his fists, before then squaring-up to the officers.”

The fiscal continued:“He made a gesture to headbutt one of the officers who were unable to apply handcuffs to both of his wrists due to his strength exceeding expectation.

“He then lashed out at the officers with his arms and legs, causing them to be thrown against shelving while moving from aisle to aisle.

“He also caused one of the officers to fall to the ground due to kicking her.

“He continued to violently resist arrest before being apprehended.

“One officer was taken to University Hospital Monklands where she was treated for pain caused by release of a spray.”

Donaldson’s defence solicitor argued:“My client had been at the pub and decided to order a Chinese takeaway, so went to withdraw money from the cash machine.

“He knows the card swallowing his machine is no excuse for him to behave this way and is remorseful for his actions.

“He’s had a taste of custody before due to spending six months in prison in 2015, and to be honest it hasn’t done him any good.

“Alcohol is a coping mechanism for his depression and anxiety and he doesn’t think he’ll overcome this without help.

“He’s aware you’ll be considering a custodial sentence but unless he addresses his mental health issues then offending in the future won’t be taken care of.”

Sheriff Frank Pieri ruled:“I have listened to everything that has been said on your behalf today.

“However, in these circumstances – assaulting officers and having a poor background of offending – I can only deal with this by way of a custodial sentence.

“You are sentenced to 160 days in prison which I have discounted from six months.

“This is because of your plea of guilt.”