A Paisley chef who punched a taxi driver over claims he refused to take him home has been ordered to pay his victim compensation.
Paul Dunn and taxi driver Mahamudul Hassan got into an argument on March 4 in the town’s Glasgow Road.
Dunn had asked the taxi to stop at a cashpoint so he could lift some money.
The 54-year-old, of Seedhill Road, saw red and punched Hassan’s shoulder and face before running off.
Dunn, who works as a chef in Kennedy’s Bar on Causeyside Street, claimed the argument was due to the driver refusing to take him home, while the victim stated it was due to his passenger refusing to pay his fare.
Procurator fiscal depute Kirsten Brierley told Paisley Sheriff Court: “Around 10pm, Dunn finished his shift as a chef and booked a taxi.
“Mr Hassan attended to collect the accused and they stopped on Glasgow Road for the accused to lift money at a bank and the accused re-entered the taxi.
“A disagreement between the two started and the accused refused to pay his fare.
“He then punched the back of Mr Hassan’s shoulder four or five times before punching the left side of his face.
“Both got out the taxi and the accused again approached Mr Hassan and punched him on the face and then ran away.
“A member of the public who witnessed this contacted police.
“Officers attended and took photographs of Hussan and statements. CCTV was also viewed which captured the whole altercation.
“The accused’s home address was obtained from his employers and he was traced by officers.”
Defence agent Gemma Elder explained Dunn knows his conduct was “wholly unacceptable”.
Ms Elder explained: “Mr Dunn works as a chef at Kennedy’s Bar and after he concluded his shift he stayed in the bar for some drinks and anticipated the taxi would take him home.
“He asked the driver to stop so he could lift money and they did, but when he entered the taxi again, it is Mr Dunn’s view that the driver then refused to take him any further to his final destination, which was him home address.
“A combination of a 12-hour shift and intoxication led him to act this way and he knows it is wholly unacceptable. It was a one-off incident out of intoxication and frustration.”
Sheriff Gillian Craig ordered Dunn to pay a compensation order of £160 at £40 per month.
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