Blade thug slashed beggar over drugs
“He made his way Dalblair Medical Practice.
“A witness was cutting her grass and saw the accused and Doherty. She recognised Doherty from begging in the street.
“She thought she saw the accused slap him to his face.”
Staff at Dalblair Medical Practice phoned the police and Doherty was taken to Ayr Hospital, where he was treated for the deep 7- 8cm gash.
He required stitches and it will lead to permanent disfigurement.
CCTV footage showed Cummings walking with friends and making a stabbing motion.
On April 9 at Turners Brig, Ayr, Cummings launched another attack on a man after asking him if he had any cocaine, referring to the drug as Charlie.
When the man asked Cummings what he meant Cummings struck him on the head with a Buckfast bottle.
The man had a 1cm cut to his head but required no further treatment. t o
Solicitor John Gallagher said the breakdown of Cummings’ five- year marriage led to a “downward spiral”.
Mr Gallagher said: “He removed himself from the family home and unfortunately spent most of his days thereafter drinking and using valium. Each of the two matters in isolation are serious matters.”
Mr Gallagher said the dispute between Doherty and Cummings arose as he was asked to obtain drugs for Doherty.
He said: “Initially there was an agreement then an argument broke out.
“It is clear that Mr Doherty had an implement in his possession which Mr Cummings caught sight of.
“He retaliated with this item that he had procured shortly after completing his work that day.
“He cannot in any way, shape or form mitigate his actions.
“In relation to the second incident he was not the person who initiated the initial dispute.
“It was a gross over- reaction to whatever was said by the complainer.
“He accepts his responsibility fully. In respect of each he has expressed full remorse.”
Mr Gallagher accepted that Cummings’ record “does him no credit” but said the bulk of offences were committed when he was in his late teens.
Sheriff John Montgomery told Cummings: “Such are the gravity of these offences that no other disposal other than a custodial one is appropriate.
“Jail is the only option and that’s without taking into account your record.
“In relation to the Turners Brig incident it’s quite clear you carried out an entirely unprovoked assault on the complainer.
“With the second incident the element of provocation referred to in the narrative is minimal compared to the reaction thereto.”
Cummings, of Mossgiel Road, Ayr, was jailed for 54 months.
Jail is the only option and that’s without taking into account your record