Two thugs who battered a local TV star with a crowbar during a Dundee pub break-in have been jailed for more than six years combined.
Scott Henderson, 33, and Kevin Jackson, 20, attacked “singing cabbie” Wayne O’Hare when he tried to stop them raiding the Boar’s Rock on Arbroath Road.
Taxi driver Mr O’Hare, who featured on Britain’s Got Talent and is known in the city for his Michael Bublé renditions, had been staying above the pub when he heard a disturbance at around 4am on November 30.
He told the two men to get out as the “polis are on the way” and threw two glasses at them, as well as grabbing Henderson.
Dundee ‘Singing Cabby’ TV star fights off thieves during break-in to friend’s pub
At this point he was repeatedly struck with a crowbar by Jackson and pretended to have a heart attack.
Mr O’Hare suffered cuts, which had to be glued as a result of the attack.
The duo also carried out raids on other premises within the city.
On Friday, Sheriff Alistair Brown sentenced Henderson to three years and two months in prison while Jackson was handed three years for the “serious” offences.
The court heard that illegal drugs use was behind the incidents.
Advocating on behalf of Jackson, solicitor Anika Jethwa said: “He started using drugs at the age of 19. There had been a family fall-out and there was nowhere for him to stay.
“He started associating with people who were offending and taking drugs. He had never been in trouble before.
“His downward spiral was spectacular.”
Ms Jethwa added that since being remanded on December 4, Jackson had come off drugs completely and had made up with his family, who planned to support him when he was released from jail.
He was said to be “remorseful” and “disgusted” with his behaviour.
Defending Henderson, solicitor Jim Laverty added: “He has asked me to tender his apologies for the inconvenience and grief caused because of these offences.
“He has made good use of rehabilitation and drug misuse services while in custody.”
Jackson and Henderson pleaded guilty to stealing 10 bottles of alcohol, till monitors, till drawers and contents, with Jackson also admitting the attack on Mr O’Hare.
On April 10 last year, both also stole £420, a handbag, make-up and keys from Strathspey Place, which was captured on CCTV.
They also raided the Barn pub on Campfield Square, stealing £1,519.75, among other items.
On December 1, the pair attempted to use pitchforks to break into premises owned by Scottish Blue on Douglas Road.
Mecca Bingo, on the same street, was also targeted on December 2, with the thieves stealing alcohol, a charity money box and tills.
