An oil industry executive carried out an unprovoked attack on a taxi driver which ended with him topless and chasing the terrified cabbie around his vehicle.
Richard Donaldson started raining blows on driver Michael Todd, 50, without warning as he was driving and allegedly told him he was going to stab him.
Mr Todd fought to maintain control of his car as the bizarre attack lasted several minutes, Perth Sheriff Court was told.
Donaldson, 44, who works for an energy firm and claims to have “excellent inter-personal skills” in his online profile, swore at police officers.
Depute fiscal Catriona MacQueen said Donaldson got into the taxi and gave vague directions to his home in Scone. Mr Todd set off in that direction from Perth railway station at 8pm on August 14 last year.
“During the journey the complainer observed out of the corner of his eye that the accused kept turning and glaring at him,” said Ms MacQueen.
“He asked if there was a problem and the accused said ‘yes, I’m going to stab you’.”
Donaldson, who admitted a charge of assault, started attacking the complainer as he was driving by throwing punches at his face and body.
The court was told that Donaldson, of David Douglas Avenue, denied saying he would stab his victim and sentence was deferred for reports and a proof in mitigation over that part of the Crown’s evidence.
