Driver is assaulted then has car stolen

Thugs punched a man and stole his car after climbing on to its roof.

Mark Anderson, 28, and Darrell Murphy, 38, pounced on Ryan Crawford after a pal spotted one of the yobs on top of the motor.

They hounded him after he tried to leg it – then swiped the car after he dropped his keys.

Anderson was caged for 13 months after he admitted stealing the Mercedes and attacking its owner at Paisley Sheriff Court.

Murphy faces jail when reports are returned later the month.

The court heard Mr Crawford found the pair lurking near his car after the alarm had been raised by a friend. They attacked him after an argument broke out.

The thugs stole the motor after he dropped his keys when he tried to run in Willow Drive, Johnstone.

Police nabbed them in Kilwinning after Anderson was spotted behind the wheel with Murphy next to him.

Both pleaded guilty to assaulting Mr Crawford, pursuing him and stealing the keys last September 12.

Murphy also admitted punching their victim and Anderson admitted driving while disqualified and without insurance.

Defence lawyer Charlie McCusker said the younger man had lost the plot after downing a cocktail of drink and drugs after being dumped.

He said: “His recollection of events is vague.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney had called for background reports – but Murphy’s was not ready.

He told Anderson – who has two previous convictions for crimes of violence – prison was the only option.

The brute, of Irvine, North Ayrshire, was also banned from driving for two years and six months.

Murphy, of Yew Place, Johnstone, has been ordered to return to court on March 22 for sentencing.