Yob brandished pole at couple

A couple’s night out in East Kilbride ended in terror as a stranger threatened them with a metal pole.

William Thomson tried to provoke the couple while they were waiting for a taxi.

Thomson, 29, appeared at Hamilton Sheriff Court last week and admitted threatening or abusive behaviour in Main Street on August 1, 2021.

He also admitted breaching a bail condition two weeks earlier by entering Hamilton.

The court heard he was living in homeless accommodation at Lindsay House in East Kilbride when he confronted the couple.

They had been out for dinner and were waiting outside a taxi office at 11.30pm.

Rebecca Clark, prosecuting, said: “Thomson approached them, brandishing a metal pole.

“They tried to ignore him but he tried to start an argument, saying‘You’ll be f ****** sorry. Do you want it?’He swung the pole around and the woman moved in front of her husband as she feared he would be assaulted.

“At this point, police officers on patrol passed by and saw Thomson brandishing the pole towards her as if he was ready to strike.

“He told them the pole wasn’t his and he’d found it round the corner.”

Defence agent Chris Devine said dad of three Thomson could remember little of the terrifying incident.

The solicitor stated:“At the time he was in the grip of an addiction to alcohol and drugs, particularly street valium.

“Since then he has managed to turn his life around.”

Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence until next month for background reports on Thomson.

He continued bail but warned Thomson, who admitted previous convictions:“Be under no illusions. I’m exploring all options.”