YOB’S ACTIONS ‘MORE USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH SAFARI PARK’

42-year-old jumped on taxi and damaged it

YOB Graeme Mclardy jumped on the bonnet of a taxi – in scenes that were ‘more usually associated with a safari park’.

The 42-year-old was high on monkey dust when he climbed on the Toyota Corolla in Hilton Road, Hartshill.

North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard he then deliberately stamped on and scratched the car during the terrifying incident.

Now Mclardy has been ordered to pay £750 compensation to the cabbie.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said the incident unfolded in the early hours of April 13.

She added: “He stamped on the bonnet causing scratches and marks.”

The cabbie told police he came to a stop after he saw the defendant who was shouting something at him. He had never seen Mclardy before.

Mclardy admitted to officers he was under the influence of monkey dust at the time and was paranoid due to rumours he was a police informant.

Mclardy, of Farmers Bank, Silverdale, pleaded guilty to criminal damage.

The court heard he was made the subject of a community order two days after this incident. Simon Leech, mitigating, said it was impulsive behaviour ‘more usually associated with a visit to Longleat Safari Park’.

Mr Leech said: “He was affected by the consumption of the drug which had been taken.

“He had earlier in the day gone to hospital because he was exhibiting behaviour which was contrary to his own welfare and interests.

“This incident occurred in Hartshill following his discharge from hospital. Compensation to the taxi driver is entirely right and proper.” Mr Leech added that Mclardy is not an informant.

Magistrates ordered Mclardy to pay £750 compensation. There was no order for costs or a surcharge.