Yob attacked taxi driver

A yob attacked a taxi driver outside Stirling railway station after the driver refused him travel.

Bradley Marinello had punched taxi driver James Mullane on the head at the Goosecroft Road taxi rank late on Thursday February 28, 2019.

The 21-year-old had admitted a charge of assault at Stirling Sheriff Court last Friday.

Fiscal depute Sarah Smith told Sheriff William Gilchrist that taxi driver Mr Mullane had been at work about 11.15pm that night and was parked at the Stirling railway station taxi rank.

Mr Mullane noticed that a taxi driver ahead had refused to take a couple of passengers, the now accused Marinello and a friend.

When Mr Mullane’s vehicle got to the front of the taxi rank Marinello opened its boot.

Mr Mullane got out and refused travel to Marinello and his companion.

When Mullane returned to the driver’s seat Marinello approached him.

Ms Smith said:“[mr Mullane] again refused him travel and words were exchanged between the pair.

“This resulted in Marinello reaching into the car and punching the witness on the face.

“A struggle then took place between Mr Mullane and Marinello.”

The fiscal depute pointed out that there had been a number of witnesses to the incident and police were contacted. The incident was also captured on cctv. Mr Mullane suffered no injuries.

When Marinello was cautioned and charged he replied:‘it wisnae me’.

Sheriff William Gilchrist deferred sentence on Marinello for a criminal justice social work report until December 23.

He ordered that Marinello, of Edinburgh, to appear on that date.