A thug who fell from a moving taxi after assaulting the driver has been told a jail sentence is a “distinct possibility”.
Jamie Stewart attacked Bruce McRitchie as he took the 27-year-old and two other males from Kirriemuir to Forfar.
Stewart, who has a string of previous convictions for violence and bail breaches, grabbed the taxi driver around the neck after an argument over the fare.
Depute fiscal Eilidh Robertson told Dundee Sheriff Court: “He then opened the door of the taxi, whilst it was moving at around 15mph and fell out.
“He kicked the driver’s door of the car and then got back in.
“The accused made derogatory remarks towards Mr McRitchie and continued to tell him that “he was getting f**k all”.
“The accused then grabbed Mr McRitchie from behind again, and this time punched him in the side of the head.
“Mr McRitchie stopped the car at this point and the accused and his companions ran off.
“They left beer bottles behind in the car and the accused left his mobile telephone in the back seat of the car.”
Stewart was later traced in Forfar’s North Street.
Stewart, Hillhead Terrace, Kirriemuir admitted assaulting Mr McRitchie by seizing him by the body, repeatedly seizing him by the neck, uttering threats of violence and punching him on the head while he was driving on June 1, 2014.
Sheriff Elizabeth Munro told Stewart: “This is absolutely disgraceful behaviour. You can’t even remember it, you were so drunk.
“With your record it’s a distinct possibility you are going to jail.”
Sentence was deferred for reports until January 21 and Stewart was granted bail.