Prison term for city bus row man

The court heard how an argument started over a £1 coin

An Edinburgh man has been jailed after an argument over a £1 coin led him to smash the glass screen of a Lothian bus leaving the driver with a cut face.

David Fraser, 21, was jailed for six months at Edinburgh Sheriff Court after earlier pleading guilty to committing a breach of the peace on 10 October 2007.

The incident happened on the number 14 bus in South Clerk Street.

Sheriff Michael O'Grady said: "The court has to protect drivers and passengers in these situations."

Fiscal Depute, Malcolm Stewart, said at 1630 BST there was "trouble over a £1 coin".

There was a lot of blood and it was deeply distressing for the driver and passengers Malcolm Stewart Fiscal Depute

He said: "Fraser reacted by shouting and swearing at the driver and threatening him with violence.

"During the argument, Fraser hit the glass screen between himself and the driver with his elbow.

"The screen shattered and shards of glass struck the driver on the face cutting it.

"There was a lot of blood and it was deeply distressing for the driver and passengers."

Fraser was arrested nearby.

Defence agent, Robert Fairbairn, said at the time of the incident, Fraser had "a fairly significant alcohol problem".

He said since then he had reduced his intake, although he still drinks alcohol.