Published: Wednesday, 26th March, 2008 10:00
Schoolboy attacked by tearaway teenager
By Court Reporter
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A TEARAWAY teen launched an unprovoked attack on a 14-year-old schoolboy after a joke the boy made backfired.
John Simpson took offence to the comment made about his friend — who was in a coma — and kicked the youngster who said it in the head.
The victim had stopped off at a shop in Crown Avenue, Radnor Park, on his way to school around 8.15am when he was approached by Simpson, 16.
Simpson then launched his violent assault forcing the youngster, who was sitting on a ledge, to cover his head to “protect himself”.
Gillian Climie, fiscal depute, told the Dumbarton Sheriff Court that the boy was left dizzy but managed to get up and run to the nearby shop where the staff called for cops.
But Simpson was only caught six weeks later on October 12 when he was finally traced by officers.
When asked if he remembered the incident on August 29 last year, Simpson said “yes” and alleged that the schoolboy had made “remarks” about his friend.
Simpson also said he remembered hitting the complainer.
The teen also admitted possessing a hockey stick at Kilbowie Primary School on December 2 last year.
Police on patrol in West Thomson Street, Radnor Park, spotted Simpson at around 1.30am, but he tried to escape through the school grounds.
When they caught up with him, they found the accused with a hockey stick down his shirt, which he claimed was for “his protection”.
Simpson’s lawyer Judith Reid told the court that her client was under the supervision of the Children’s Panel.
She said her client, who lives with his mother, was making “significant efforts” to move away because of “gang-related trouble” in that area.
Ms Reid said that Simpson works as a helper in his school and is also continuing with his education.
But she added that as a result of these first convictions he would put that in jeopardy.
Sheriff William Dunlop said that he was not willing to transfer the case back to the Children’s Panel because the offences were “too serious”.
He said: “You’re on the verge of getting into real trouble.”
Simpson of 12/2 Cornock Street, Radnor Park, was ordered to complete an 18-month probation order.
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