Drunken offender punches and spits at Falkirk shop staff during two violent incidents
An offender’s drunken violence brought danger into the lives of two retail workers who were just trying to do their jobs.
The incidents involving Craig Rankin, 32, both happened in the afternoon at busy retail outlets in the Falkirk area as people were going about their business working and shopping.
He was said to be heavily intoxicated on both occasions
Appearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court last Thursday, Rankin, had pleaded guilty to assaulting a retail worker – punching him on the body – at B&M, Callendar Road, Falkirk on February 2.
He also admitted threatening behaviour, making threats and spitting at an employee, at Farmfoods, Grahams Road, Falkirk on June 27.
The procurator fiscal depute stated Rankin showed up at B&M at around 3.30pm and, after a disturbance, punched the man once to the chest.
It was as similar story at Farmfoods.
"It was 1pm when the accused entered the premises,” said the procurator fiscal depute. “The witness had cause to approach the accused and placed himself at the exit of the premises.
"The accused became angry at this saying ‘I’ll stab you’ and then he spat towards the witness.”
The court heard Rankin had problems with drugs and alcohol and was intoxicated during both offences.
Sheriff Elizabeth McFarlane placed Rankin, 7 Newton Avenue, Skinflats, on a supervised community payback order for 12 months and made him subject to a restriction of liberty order, meaning he must remain in his home from 7pm to 7am for the next three months.