Lout jailed after causing traffic mayhem at charity fireworks

Dec 18 2009 by Lisa Boyle, Ayrshire Post (main ed)

A LOUT who strutted around in the middle of the road after a busy fireworks display was lambasted by a sheriff before being jailed.

Callum Cooper claims he can’t remember causing traffic chaos on Whitletts Road after the annual Ayrshire Hospice event on November 6.

But the 24-year-old will have plenty of time to reflect – he’s been locked up for 135 days.

At Ayr Sheriff Court this week, he pleaded guilty to jumping in the path of oncoming traffic, attempting to kick a vehicle, making an offensive gesture, shouting and swearing.

Depute fiscal Erin Campbell told Sheriff Carole Cunningham that Cooper was out on licence having served half of a prison sentence for assault.

Cooper also has three previous convictions for breach of the peace matters.

Ms Campbell went on to explain that a large crowd had turned up to enjoy the fireworks display.

At around 9.20pm, crowds were leaving and police were controlling traffic and pedestrians.

Their attention was drawn to Cooper who had ran into the middle of the road and jumped in a puddle.

Ms Campbell added: “This caused vehicle traffic to come to a halt. The accused became aggressive to a lone female car driver.

“He tried to kick the front of the car, stuck his middle finger up and began shouting and swearing.”

Defence lawyer Peter Lockhart said: “Since his jail term he has secured employment and his partner is now pregnant.

“He had been at the fireworks but all he remembers is that he got a fright when a car suddenly pulled up in front of him.”

Jailing Cooper, of Crosshill, Sheriff Carole Cunningham blasted the yob.

She said: “Your behaviour was outrageous. This was a family event with parents and children.

“You spoilt it for the female driver as well as other drivers and pedestrians.

“Your loutish behaviour continued when you strutted down Whitletts Road and even when police approached, you continued to be belligerent.

“All of this while you’re out on licence. It seems to me you’ve pressed the self-destruct button and you are the author of your own misfortune.”