ASSAULTING someone with a JCB has cost a Wee County man more than £9,000.

Francis Quinn appeared for sentencing in relation to that charge, and one other, at Alloa Sheriff Court on Thursday, October 15.

According to court papers, he admitted assaulting a man to his injury at an access road in Forestmill by driving a JCB at two individuals – striking one of them on the arm.

He also admitted a second charge of vandalism by driving the JCB into a car at the same location, resulting in damage to the car.

Both offences took place on September 12 last year.

In court last week, the 59-year-old's solicitor, Larissa Milligan, said Quinn's JCB had been seized and sold at auction as a result of the incident.

She added the vehicle was "taken to auction without the relevant authority", and her client was around £8,000 out of pocket as a consequence.

Ms Milligan then outlined that her client had difficulties with "emotional regulation", which may in part explain his behaviour on September 12.

Sheriff Craig Harris said a "significant financial penalty" would be required to reflect the gravity of the offences.

He fined Quinn a total of £1,350, to be paid at a rate of £20 per week; he also ordered that £300 of that fine be paid within 28 days of it being imposed.