Gig goer loses cool

A disabled gig goer lost his cool and had a heated row with staff in a popular Paisley pub – because they put too much ice in his drink.

Alan Thornton, who walks with a limp due to back problems, had been at a gig at Callum’s Cavern in Paisley’s Old Sneddon Street.

He was heading home when he popped in to The Last Post pub for a drink before catching the train.

Thornton, 53, asked for a vodka and coke with one ice cube – then lost it when he was given a glass crammed full of ice.

He tried to speak to staff about it and an argument broke out.

The details emerged when Thornton appeared in the dock at Paisley Sheriff Court to go on trial over the events of November 17 last year.

He pleaded guilty to a charge of behaving in a threatening or abusive way by shouting, swearing, behaving aggressively and struggling with employee Jason Laurie.

Procurator Fiscal Depute Claire Rowan said the incident took place around 11.15pm in the pub, in the town’s County Square.

She explained: “He was at the bar and an argument occurred between the accused and one of the staff members serving on the bar at the time.

“The witness Laurie is employed as a duty manager at The Last Post and began to speak to the accused.

“Mr Laurie then asked the accused to leave the premises.

“The accused’s conduct escalated and he began to shout and swear towards Mr Laurie.”

Security staff at the pub were made aware of the rammy and one went to help, with him and Mr Laurie restraining Thornton.

Miss Rowan, prosecuting, added: “Both witnesses restrained the accused on the ground due to his conduct.”

Defence solicitor David Nicholson explained: “Mr Thornton suffers from a degenerative back condition whereby the discs degenerate and he is now in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.

“He had been at The Cavern for the purpose of going to a music gig.

“After the gig ended he was heading for home via train.

“He was around 30 minutes early. He went in to have a vodka and coke to pass the time. He asked for one ice cube only.

“When the drink arrived it had a considerable amount of ice. He raised it with the bar staff and was given short shrift – and was basically told to like it or leave it.

“He asked to speak to a supervisor and the exchange became heated.

“When a hand was placed on his back it put him in a significant amount of pain.

“He indicates he was going to leave, he didn’t need to be pushed. He thinks they misunderstood his reaction to it.

“They were then lying on his back and that caused him further pain.”

Sheriff Seith Ireland fined Thornton, of Rutherglen, £360 for the offence, reduced from £400 as he admitted his guilt.