Teenager pleads guilty to attempted murder after cabbie left fighting for life
The then 16-year-old attacked David Walker after refusing to pay his fare in Cumbernauld in July 2023
Last updated 12th Dec 2024
A teenager has left a taxi driver brain damaged following a brutal murder bid.
The then 16 year-old turned on David Walker - and when others told him he had killed the cabbie, he replied: "Good".
Medics initially feared the 55 year-old may not survive.
He was fortunately able to leave after three months in hospital, but remains badly affected by his ordeal.
The attacker had two pending court dates at the time and had also been subject to a supervision order.
The teenager - now 17 and cannot be identified due to his age - is now in custody after he pleaded guilty to an attempted murder charge at the High Court in Glasgow today.
He will be sentenced in the New Year.
The thug and the victim were not known to each other prior to the attack on July 13, 2023.
Mr Walker was a driver for Cumbernauld-based Central Cars.
Refused to pay
He had picked up a man, who did not pay the fare and fled to a house in Johnston Avenue in Kilsyth, also in 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: "Mr Walker momentarily fell to the ground and the accused repeatedly stamped on his head and kicked him as he tried to stand up."
Relentless attack
CCTV of the attack - which was partially obscured by trees - was played at the hearing today.
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.
Mr Walker ended up on the ground bleeding and was kicked 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.
Life changing injuries
The man's face and head was also heavily bruised.
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 October 6 2023.
He requires "ongoing specialist input" including from an occupational therapist, physiotherapist and clinical psychologist. He has also been unable to work.
His attacker had been the subject on two undertakings at the time to appear at Hamilton Sheriff Court six days after the murder bid and at Glasgow Sheriff Court on October 31, 2023.
John Scullion KC, defending, today said that the teenager had previously been under a compulsory supervision order and that there is also ongoing social work involvement.
The young thug had been on bail, but Mr Scullion did not move for it to be continued.
Lord Armstrong told the teenager: "You now stand convicted of one of the most grave charges.
"My intention is to call for a social work report, so I can be fully advised of all the relevant circumstances and background.
"Until then, you will be detained in custody."