Alness man who grabbed steering wheel of taxi on Kessock Bridge told by sheriff: 'I could easily send you to jail'

A man who tried to steer a taxi into another car on the Kessock Bridge was later found running around on the A9, a court has heard.

Terence Urquhart (34) had been picked up in Inverness around 8pm on November 30, 2020 to get him home to Westford, Alness.

Fiscal depute Victoria Silver told Inverness Sheriff Court that the driver noticed that his passenger was intoxicated when he got into the front seat.

While crossing the Kessock Bridge Urquhart then acted in a culpable and reckless manner as another car overtook them.

She said: “The now accused has grabbed the steering wheel of the taxi and attempted to move it into the path of the other vehicle.”

Urquhart got out the taxi a short while later but was seen by multiple motorists running at vehicles on the A9 at Tore.

He also admitted damaging two vehicles during the second incident as cars tried to dodge him.

Defence agent Rory Gowans said his client had been in a motorbike accident sometime prior to the offences and he had been acting out as a result of serious injuries.

Sheriff Eilidh MacDonald said: “This type of behaviour is extremely reckless and dangerous.

“I could easily send you to jail.”

Sheriff MacDonald imposed a community payback order as a direct alternative to custody.

Urquhart will be under the supervision of social workers for two years with the intention of addressing his issues with alcohol.

Sheriff MacDonald added: “If you behave like this when you are under the influence then you have a problem.”