Drunk clubber hurled table at window

Aug 21 2008

A HAMILTON clubber was fined £300 this week for smashing a window with a table at a town nightclub.

Street sweeper Andrew Burns was also ordered to pay Hamilton Palace £800 in compensation.

Burns, who lives with his parents in Swisscot Walk, admitted a charge of behaving in a culpable and reckless manner in the Keith Street club on July 12.

The fiscal-depute told Hamilton Sheriff Court on Tuesday that about 350 people had been leaving the night club via the main exit at closing time, about 2.40am.

She said one of the club’s door stewards heard a loud smashing sound coming from above the main entrance.

When the steward made her way towards the source of the noise she saw the accused holding a wooden table above his head.

The fiscal-depute explained that there were about 12 people standing underneath the window, who were all showered with shards of glass.

Police attended to these people while others entered the nightclub.

Burns was then restrained by officers, handcuffed and arrested.

His solicitor told Sheriff Vincent Smith that no members of the public required treatment as a result of the incident.

He said Burns had been out for the evening with friends. The accused’s recollection of events had been quite clear up until 1.30am. However, he had been “unaware” of what happened later on.

“There was some suggestion his drink may have been spiked, but I am unable to substantiate this in any way,” added the lawyer.

Burns, he said, deeply regretted carrying out the offence.

It was further stressed that the accused had not long been separated from his partner, and worked for a council as a street sweeper earning £180 per week.

The solicitor also told Sheriff Smith that Burns’ job was in jeopardy as a result of hisactions.

Burns also had a number of public order offences on his record, some for similar matters, said the lawyer.

Sheriff Smith fined Burns £300 and ordered him to pay £800 in compensation for the broken window, payable at £50 per week.