Drunk and disorderly behaviour on a taxi ride home almost caused a collision on a Perthshire road.
After waking up from a nap in the back of the car, William Stewart lashed out at the terrified driver in the early hours of February 10.
Perth Sheriff Court heard how the 22-year-old had been out drinking with his girlfriend and had arranged to take a taxi back to his home at Nether Coul in Auchterarder.
As they travelled along Cairnie Braes, a notorious accident hotspot, the accused hit the driver on the back of the head for no apparent reason, the court heard.
Fortunately, the driver was able to retain control of the car and pulled over to a layby and contacted the police.
Stewart’s solicitor told the court that his client had woken to hear the driver having an “inappropriate” conversation with his girlfriend, but could not recall committing the offence.
Imposing a fine of £1,000, Sheriff Michael Fletcher told Stewart that he had placed three people in danger as a result of his actions and said it caused him “some concern”.
