TEENAGE THUG LEAVES CUMBERNAULD TAXI DRIVER BRAIN DAMAGED IN BRUTAL ATTACK

A teenager, who was 16 at the time of the attack, has pleaded guilty to attempted murder at the High Court in Glasgow on Thursday, December 12.

The thug, who cannot be named for legal reasons, launched the unprovoked assault on 55-year-old David Walker on July 13, 2023, leaving the victim brain-damaged.

Mr Walker, a driver for Central Cars, had picked up a man, who did not pay the fare and fled to a house in Kilsyth, North Lanarkshire.

The teenager then came out onto the street and confronted Mr Walker.

Prosecutor Anna Chisholm said: "He was being encouraged by other males in the house who were shouting and asking him to make a recording."

A row then broke out between pair. The teenager yelled at the cabbie: "I am taking your taxi for a drive. Do not f***ing grab me." He then repeatedly punched Mr Walker, who tried to block the blows.

Miss Chisholm said: "Mr Walker momentarily fell to the ground and the accused repeatedly stamped on his head and kicked him as he tried to stand up."

CCTV of the attack - which was partially obscured by trees - was played at the hearing. As he sat in the dock, the assailant initially covered his eyes with his hand to stop him watching the footage.

Mr Walker was dragged across the road as the thug threatened to stab him. He tried to escape to his taxi, but was followed and ended up on the ground bleeding and the thug booted him another two or three times.

Miss Chisholm: "Other males repeatedly warned him that he had killed Mr Walker. On one occasion, he replied: 'Good'."

The taxi firm controller could hear what was happening via Mr Walker's radio and called for help. A fellow driver turned up and found the victim lying unconscious.

Mercy crews arrived at the scene - the attacker lied that he had been stabbed.

Mr Walker was rushed to hospital - he was suffering from a traumatic brain injury, broken nose and larynx as well as a dislocated shoulder.

Miss Chisholm: "For the first 24 hours, doctors were concerned that he may succumb to his injuries."

Mr Walker received intensive treatment before finally being able to leave hospital on 6 October 2023.

He requires "ongoing specialist input" including from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist and clinical psychologist. He has also been unable to work.

He will be sentenced in the new year.

Lord Armstrong, who presided over the case, described the attack as "one of the most grave charges" and ordered a social work report to inform sentencing.

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