A taxi driver had to run onto the street and shout for help after being attacked by a thug who left him injured.

James Donaldson assaulted the man by repeatedly punching him on the head whilst he was driving on May 3, 2020.

The 37-year-old had been picked up at an unknown address earlier that night at 11.30pm.

When he got into the back of the taxi, he smelled of alcohol and cannabis and was drinking from a can.

When driving on London Road, Donaldson asked the driver “where are you taking me”, before being told he was going to the address he provided, which was confirmed.

The journey continued, but Donaldson became hostile and grabbed the back of the driver’s seat and lunged forward. He was told to sit back down and took a disliking to this.

At Glasgow Sheriff Court this week, prosecutor Brogan Moffat said: “He leaned across and began striking the driver to the left eye and face whilst the vehicle was still moving.

“The driver immediately stopped the vehicle. He alighted and ran onto the road and shouted for help.

“He dialled 999 and police attended at 423 London Road immediately. Officers thereafter traced the accused a short distance away.

“He had fresh blood on his arm and leg. He was cautioned and charged and conveyed to Cathcart police office. He made no reply.”

The court heard the driver suffered a swollen eye and bruised nose. He phoned the hospital and provided details of his injuries but was told not to attend due to Covid-19.

He was prescribed eye drops and pain killers.

READ MORE: Man slapped 'EDL member' on the face in Glasgow and told cops 'he deserved it'

Donaldson’s lawyer explained his client was shocked he behaved in that manner.

He said: “He was drinking heavily and had misused drugs prior to going into the taxi. He reports waking up in the taxi and thought he was being taken a different way than he should have been.

“He became paranoid and reacted in the way narrated.

“He accepts the nature of the offence is serious, particularly coupled with his record. He has expressed remorse.”

The court heard that Donaldson, of Townhead, has made significant progress since the date of the offence.

His defence solicitor added: “He has been engaging with addiction services and has not been brought to the attention of the court since this offence.

“He hopes this matter will be brought to an end so he can move on. He is suitable for a community-based disposal. A structured deferred sentence would allow him to continue working with services.

“He’ll do whichever disposal you deem appropriate given the nature of the offence.”

Sheriff Simone Sweeney told Donaldson: “I can see that you have made significant progress to move forward, however, this is a very serious offence.”

He was placed under social work supervision for one year and ordered to stay within his home between 7pm-7am for 108 days, as a direct alternative to custody.