Man pleads guilty to threatening Glasgow taxi driver with glass bottle

A man threatened a taxi driver with a glass bottle and then drove off in his vehicle.

Graham Stewart, 40, attacked on Lawland Rasul in Glasgow's Cathcart on Boxing Day 2023.

Stewart brandished the weapon at Mr Rasul and demanded cash after the driver stopped at his destination.

Fearful Mr Rasul exited his car and fled from the scene before he called the police.

Officers later traced disqualified driver Stewart behind the wheel on the M8 where he was arrested.

Stewart pled guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court to assault and robbery.

He also admitted failing to do a breath test and driving while disqualified.

Chain of events

The court heard that Mr Rasul picked up Stewart in the city centre's Argyle Street and took him to the Cathkin area.

There was no conversation during the journey.

Prosecutor Katie Malcolm said: "At the end of the journey, Mr Rasul expected him to pay the fare and leave.

"He was grabbed by the shoulders by Stewart who said, 'give me the money'.

"Mr Rasul noticed he had a glass bottle in his possession which he brandished while he demanded the money."

The terrified driver undid his seatbelt and went out the vehicle, leaving his wedding ring and PDA device inside.

Mr Rasul then ran off and headed towards a nearby Greggs to call for help.

Miss Malcolm added: "Mr Rasul saw his vehicle driving off and turned right heading in the general direction of the city centre."

Caught

Police were notified and traced the Skoda Superb car to the M8 eastbound.

Stewart was in the driver’s seat, and he refused to do a roadside breath test.

He was also found to be a disqualified driver from a case at Hamilton Sheriff Court in November 2022.

Stewart was sentenced 14 months in 2020 after he drove his works van on a busy motorway while on drugs.

A knife was also found in his boxer shorts.

Brian Fitzpatrick, defending, told the court today that his client is currently serving a 13-month sentence imposed in March this year.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Owen Mullan.

Stewart had his remand in custody continued meantime.

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