A WINDOW cleaner who assaulted a taxi driver at the height of the Hawick Common Riding celebrations has been ordered to pay £600 at Jedburgh Sheriff Court.
Twenty eight year old Lee Johnstone of Ramsay Road, Hawick, lashed out after he was refused a lift by the taxi driver because he was so inebriated.
The offence took place at Hawick Moor on the evening of Friday, June 8.
Johnstone pleaded guilty to assaulting the driver by striking him on the head to his injury.
Depute fiscal Tessa Bradley said the assault was witnessed by security guards and were able to easily pick out Johnstone to the police because he was wearing a bright orange top.
The taxi driver suffered a cut and swelling to the ear which had blood pouring from it.
Defence lawyer Ross Dow admitted his client had an unenviable record but pointed out he had not been drinking alcohol since the incident.
Sheriff Peter Paterson fined Johnstone £300 and ordered him to pay £300 compensation to the taxi driver.
He also warned of the consequences if he offended again due to his record.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article