A pair of 17-year-old girls who launched a vicious assault on board a train have been told by a sheriff to accept the help they’ve been offered or they could be looking at jail time.
The pair, who cannot legally be identified due to their age, appeared at Ayr Sheriff Court for sentencing after previously admitting their guilt over the assault, which took place while on a ScotRail train between Barassie and Newton-on-Ayr stations on March 26 last year.
The court heard previously that the teens, who live in Ayr, boarded the 10.30pm service from Glasgow to Ayr where a dispute amongst two groups ensued.
The victim was punched several times to the head, dragged by the hair and repeatedly kicked on the body.
And as the two assailants and the victim got off the train at Newton-on-Ayr station, the girls punched the victim and pulled at her hoodie, restricting her breathing.
Representing one of the girls, solicitor John Gallagher said his client “would engage with any community based disposal”, adding she “recognised the benefits” in taking part in the suggested Venture Trust scheme – a programme focused on rehabilitation and reducing offending.
Solicitor Peter Lockhart, representing the other teen, said: “She accepted in the criminal justice social work report that this was appalling, disgraceful behaviour.
“She took full responsibility and didn’t blame anyone else. She had just turned 16, and has been exemplary in dealing with the matter.
“She is in effect – pardon the pun – heading on the right track."
Mr Lockhart referred to a similar case at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court which fell under a summary complaint and was dealt with by way of a community payback order, contrary to this case which came under a more serious indictment.
He added: “It is a conviction under an indictment.”
Sheriff Mhairi McTaggart told the pair: “You’ve both been assessed as suitable for a place on the Venture Trust scheme.
“You are both still young ladies – the last thing I want, and I’m sure the last thing you want, is for you to keep appearing in court.
“You need to put this kind of behaviour behind you.
“I hope you will accept that what I’m trying to do here is to help you.
“But if you won’t take the help then I’ll have to punish you and I don’t want to do that. I don’t want to send you into detention.
“I want you to stop coming to court, but if you breach the order, you’ll have to come back.”
The girls were placed under supervision for 18 months with a conduct requirement to attend Venture Trust.
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