A KILWINNING man who punched a taxi driver in the early hours of the morning has escaped jail.

Sean Crawley, of Stobbs Terrace, carried out the assault in Irvine’s Bank Street on September 19.

The incident occurred after police received a report at around 1.10am on the date in question about an ongoing disturbance in the area.

Officers attended immediately and on arrival they were approached by a man who said he was assaulted by Crawley.

The officers were able to see that Crawley, 23, who works for North Ayrshire Council, was being restrained on the ground by witnesses.

CCTV footage was reviewed and showed that Crawley had followed the driver who got into his taxi.

When the driver left his vehicle to confront Crawley, he got a punch in the face for his troubles.

Police noticed that the driver had a small cut to his forehead and slight swelling.

Crawley was arrested and released to appear at court.

He appeared at Kilmarnock Sheriff Court last week and pled guilty to the assault.

He was sentenced to 12 months supervision and ordered to carry out 140 hours of unpaid work over a period of six months.

In addition, he was ordered to pay £500 compensation to the driver.