Teen used fake gun to escape taxi fare

A TEENAGER who pointed an imitation gun at a taxi driver to avoid a £9 fare has escaped a custodial sentence.

David Arnott, 19, took a cab from South Bridge to Craigour on May 15 last year.

When the taxi stopped, Arnott jumped out and pulled out a fake gun, which the driver, William Simpson, believed was real.

Arnott, of Linlithgow, admitted intending to not pay the fare and pointing an imitation firearm at the driver. He also admitted asking a friend to hide the gun for him.

Arnott was handed 300 hours of community service and must pay his victim 1000.