Montrose man head-butted two friends in row over taxi

An Angus man head-butted two men in quick succession after an argument over a taxi.

William McDonald (21), of Broomfield Gardens, Montrose, appeared at Arbroath Sheriff Court following the attacks on December 16.

He previously admitted assaulting the two men in Montrose High Street by butting them to the head.

The court heard that McDonald was getting out of a taxi in George Street when his first victim approached the driver and asked the price of a fare.

Depute fiscal Jill Drummond said: “The accused stated, ‘What are you doing? This is my taxi’.”

McDonald head-butted the man in the face, causing his nose to burst and bleed.

The victim’s friend, who had seen the incident, walked towards the scene. Ms Drummond said: “The accused turned and asked, ‘Are you running at me?’. Before the witness could answer he head-butted him in the face.”

Defence agent Nick Whelan told the court that his client hadn’t finished with the taxi and, prior to the second assault, McDonald had believed he was about to be attacked.

He added: “He simply lashed out. Alcohol has certainly played its part.” Sheriff Peter Paterson fined McDonald £600 and ordered him to pay £200 compensation.