Publican’s foot was ‘mangled’ in attack

A thug who deliberately drove a car at a Blantyre publican has been jailed for four-and-a-half years.

Troy Dargue, 50, suffered a broken ankle in the attack outside the Cornerstone in the early hours of March 3.

John Welsh, 31, admitted assault to severe injury, permanent impairment and danger of life.

He also admitted driving while not the holder of a full licence and breaching bail conditions by approaching his partner, Marie Tully, in the pub.

Mr Dargue, who is a second cousin of the accused, underwent surgery to allow screws to be inserted to hold the ankle in position.

The screws were removed in June, but he contracted an infection following this and was in significant pain as a result.

Hamilton Sheriff Court heard Welsh was thrown out of the pub after pestering Ms Tully who had been attending a baby shower there.

Welsh went to her home in Boswell Drive, Blantyre, picked up car keys and drove a Hyundai hatchback to the vicinity of the pub.

He had slowed to about five miles an hour when the car finally clipped Mr Dargue’s leg, having been reversed towards him several times.

The publican fell and the car was driven over his ankle.

Mr Dargue described his right foot as being “mangled”.

Defence agent Andy Iles said his client had at first merely tried to frighten the victim.

He added: “Mr Dargue across the vehicle and tried the accused out.

“It’s the defence position that Mr Dargue had some form of weapon.”

Mr Iles admitted prison was inevitable. Welsh’s “criminal behaviour” had “escalated”, culminating in these serious charges.

The lawyer went on: “He was incapable at that time of taking responsibility for himself and his actions. He showed a lack of maturity in dealing with the problems he clearly had. leapt to get

“There has been offending behaviour and abuse of substances, but Ms Tully continues to stand by him and is in court today.” The couple have a child together. Passing sentence, Sheriff Alasdair Macfadyen told Welsh: “No matter what provocation you were subjected to, this behaviour was completely and utterly unacceptable. It can only be responded to by a significant custodial sentence.”

The sentence was backdated to March 5 as he has been in custody since then.

He will be supervised for two years on release from prison.

The sheriff banned driving for five years. him from