An Ayr man who punched a taxi driver after a disputed Prestwick fare has been ordered to pay £3,000 compensation.
Ayr Advertiser reports Craig Lucas, 34, pleaded guilty to assault to severe injury after the 28 June 2025 incident. Heavily intoxicated with a woman after a Boswell Park rank pickup, he argued about payment, “danced about like a dafty,” then punched the driver, who fell onto the road. The cabbie worked on, later found a brain bleed, elbow bruising and lasting headaches. Defence said he wrongly thought money had been left and was remorseful. Sheriff Siobhan Connelly imposed 300 hours unpaid work, two years’ supervision and the £3,000 payout, calling alcohol no excuse.