Social distancing row erupts in supermarket

Disabled man floored after pensioner throws punch

A Blantyre pensioner attacked a disabled man in a supermarket during a row over social distancing.

Thomas Dale’s victim suffered a cut to his mouth when he was floored by a punch.

Dale, 68, of Wallace Place, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court this week.

He admitted assaulting Mark Coyle at Asda in Clydeview Shopping Centre, Blantyre, on May 12. Morag

Mclintock, prosecuting, said Mr Coyle, 47, who has arthritis and walks with a stick, was “really fearful” of catching Covid-19 because of his health issues.

She told the court: “He tries to ensure social distancing at all times.

“He noticed the accused was very close behind him in the queue at Asda and asked him to maintain the two-metre gap.

“When Mr Coyle went into the store Dale was again immediately behind him and he was again asked to keep his distance. Mr Coyle put his walking stick in his shopping trolley and Dale then swung at him with his left fist, knocking his glasses off and causing him to fall.

“While he was still on the ground, Dale seized him by the collar, but a security guard came to assist and the accused let go and walked out of the store.”

Defence solicitor Andy Iles claimed that the victim had been abusive towards Dale.

He stated: “Mr Coyle took exception to his personal space being encroached. He could have been polite about it, but made a sarcastic comment and twice called my client a p..... .

“Unfortunately, my client overreacted. He is extremely embarrassed by his behaviour.

“He has previous convictions, but they are of some considerable age.

“He has extremely limited income, but is a very fit 68-year-old and could do unpaid community work.”

Sheriff Douglas Brown ordered Dale to carry out 70 hours of unpaid work as an alternative to a fine.