Drunk threats to kill bus driver

A drunk threatened to kill a bus driver during a terrifying incident at Cumnock Bus station.

Connor McHugh’s behaviour was so intimidating the driver was forced to barricade himself into his cab.

But McHugh, whose face was covered in blood, chillingly told him: “I know where you live and I’m going to kill you.”

The 28 year- old, of Riccarton Road, Kilmarnock, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court on Tuesday, February 25.

He admitted behaving in threatening or abusive manner in a vehicle travelling between Cumnock and Crosshouse Hospital, behaviour likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear and alarm and that he did challenge the bus driver, Alistair Kerr, to a fight.

McHugh also repeatedly struck a perspex partition and repeatedly uttered threatening remarks and threats of violence.

Alice Carey, the fiscal depute, told the court how the incident unfolded at 1.50pm.

“Witnesses were in Cumnock Bus Station when the accused approached them. He had blood on his face.

“The accused was swearing, forcing the driver to enter the bus and closed the door behind him. “

But McHugh managed to get into the bus and began banging on the perspex, forcing the driver to lock himself in his cab and call police.

Ms Carey said: “The accused hit the perspex, saying: ‘ I know where you live, I’m going to kill you.”

Police were called and the accused appeared to be intoxicated.

McHugh, the court was told, was taken to hospital but he continued his course of conduct.

McHugh’s defence solicitor said: “For what it’s worth he did not know where the bus driver lived.

“These remarks should not be made. Similarly, these remarks were appalling.

“The amount of alcohol he consumed explains his behaviourbut it does not excuse it.

“He should know better in terms of his record.

“There’s a real possibility he will be sent to a period of imprisonment.”

Sheriff Colin Dunipace said: “I am considering a lengthy sentence but I wish to explore all the options.”

The case was recalled for later in the morning and when McHugh returned to the dock he was given a community payback order of 100 hours of unpaid work in the community, to be completed within the next six months, and a restriction of liberty order, meaning he cannot leave his home address between 7pm and 7pm for the next three months.

A review of the order will take place on June 2.