Student's £3k rampage at car firm

Brian Hossack • Published 27 Aug 2010 14:00

A STUDENT who caused £3,150 of damage to a car dealers’ stock has walked free from court - after a sheriff admitted his hands were tied by High Court guidelines on punishment.

Bosses at Regents Vehicles Sales in Inverkip Road were forced to pay off staff after the drunken rampage by James Leith, 17, which wrecked seven cars at their showroom.

Leith was armed with a knife at the time.

Sheriff John Herald told Greenock Sheriff Court instructions passed from the High Court meant he was restricted in the sentence he could impose because of the first offender’s limited income.

He said: “I have considerable sympathy with the people whose company has suffered a loss of time and money because of your actions.

“However, the High Court tells me it is unrealistic to say to you, with your circumstances, that you must pay all off the money back.

“I am sure that I will attract criticism for what I am going to do, but I will admonish you on both charges.

“However, you will pay compensation of £1,000 to the company at £30 per week.”

The court was told Leith hurled bricks at the cars after drinking spirits for the first time at a party.

Defence solicitor Ellen Macdonald said Leith had acted out of character, adding: “He had been at a party and fell asleep.

“He lifted the kitchen knife and left the house and acted in this manner during a moment of madness.

“In the cold light of day, he knows his behaviour was totally unacceptable. He has not drunk since committing this offence.

“He is from a good family and this is his first appearance in court.”

Leith, of Smith Street, Greenock, pleaded guilty to possession of a knife and throwing a brick at the cars on 1 November during a previous appearance in the dock.

He was back in court on Wednesday for sentencing.

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This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 27 Aug 10

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