A Hamilton man is facing a potential prison sentence after striking a taxi driver in the face with a heavy metal road sign when challenged over an unpaid fare.
Scot McCluskey, 37, pleaded guilty at Hamilton Sheriff Court to assaulting the cabbie to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement. The attack, which occurred on Glenlee Street in Hamilton on 12 August 2024, left the victim with a severe lip gash and three knocked-out teeth.
The court heard that McCluskey had initially agreed to a down payment for the journey after the driver raised concerns about his demeanour when picking him up in Ferniegair. After being driven to Larkhall, McCluskey redirected the taxi to Glasgow Road in Hamilton. When he got out, the driver repeatedly asked him to pay the remainder of the fare. Prosecutor Rosemary O’Neill told the court McCluskey responded by picking up a large metal road sign and striking the driver full in the face before fleeing the scene. McCluskey was arrested six months later.
Sheriff Linda Nicolson said she was “just persuaded” to request background reports rather than proceed straight to sentencing, deferring the case until September and granting McCluskey bail in the interim — while warning him that “all options are on the table.”
Incidents like this are a reminder of the risks drivers face over disputed fares. DM Taxi Assistant can help operators take payments and deposits upfront, reducing the chances of a fare dispute at the end of a journey.
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