Builder who battered boss with spade avoids prison

Published on Wednesday 11 March 2009 08:58

A BUILDER who battered his boss with a spade after being ordered off a housing development has avoided a jail sentence.

Rodney Murney, 39, hit David Ronaldson with a shovel when the 47-year-old works manager told him to pack-up at the Capital's Quartermile development on June 25.

Mr Ronaldson had minutes earlier found Murney arguing with a workmate over a 3000 window which had been smashed.

But as the sub-contractor left the site, he swung the tool at Mr Ronaldson who, despite wearing a hard-hat at the time, was knocked to the ground and left with massive swelling to his head.

But yesterday at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, Murney was given an 18-month probation order after he had earlier admitted assaulting Mr Ronaldson to his injury.

He will also have to attend anger management counselling.

Murney, who has a history of violence, had been held in custody since November last year.

His solicitor, Neil Robertson, claimed his client had reacted after Mr Ronaldson made an offensive religious remark.

Sheriff Elizabeth Jarvie QC sentenced Murney to 18 months' probation.