A thug punched and spat on a cabbie who refused to take him after he failed to pay colleague's fare the previous day.
Michael McTaggart lashed out at Ian Hendry at a taxi rank in Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on November 19 this year.
The 44-year-old had fled from Andrew McGill's taxi the day before without paying the £8.40 bill.
Mr McGill informed Mr Hendry about the incident before McTaggart entered his taxi which led to the violent confrontation.
McTaggart later threatened: "I'm Mick McTaggart from Rutherglen, I will come back to get both of you."
McTaggart pled guilty yesterday at Glasgow Sheriff Court to fraud and assaulting Mr Hendry to his injury.
He also admitted wilfully or recklessly destroying property and behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.
The court heard a drunk McTaggart initially approached Mr McGill's cab and asked to be taken to Hamilton Road in Cambuslang.
He later changed his request to the area's Halfway.
Prosecutor Sara Latta said: "The driver pulled up in Halfway and told McTaggart it would be £8.40.
"McTaggart didn't react and exited the taxi, failing to pay."
The driver refused to chase McTaggart and did not inform the police as he did not know his final destination.
But, Mr McGill did inform Mr Hendry about the incident later that day.
The hearing was told McTaggart entered Mr Hendry's cab the following night and requested a fare to Halfway which was refused.
He was recognised due to the description given and Mr McGill was later asked to attend and confirm McTaggart's identification.
Miss Latta said: "McTaggart punched Mr Hendry to his left cheek bone but the driver punched back.
"McTaggart then spat twice with spittle landing on Mr Hendry's face."
McTaggart then dented the passenger door by kicking it before making the threatening remark.
Police later arrested McTaggart who admitted to officers that he called Mr Hendry a "tadger."
Sentence was deferred until next month for background reports by sheriff Gerald Considine who continued McTaggart's remand in custody meantime.
