Teen given 150 hours unpaid work for choking teacher unconscious

The incident happened at a residential unit in July 2022

The eighteen year old has been ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work
Author: Molly TulettPublished 15th Dec 2023

A teenager who choked a PE teacher unconscious has been ordered to do 150 hours of unpaid work by Glasgow Sherriff Court.

Aaron Strachan grasped Martin Sangster by the neck for five to six seconds at a residential unit in Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, in June last year.

Other staff members had to intervene to separate the pair.

The 18 year old pled guilty to assaulting Mr Sangster to his severe injury and danger of life, and alongside his unpaid work order has been placed under supervision for two years.

Prosecutor Jenny Reid said the hold Strachan had on the teacher was “with such force that Mr Sangster was lifted off his feet and left unconscious.”

He was taken to hospital and left with a bruised back.

During the inquiry, Strachan also admitted to a later assault on David Cosgrove.

He was being restrained by members of staff at the unit on September 30 2022 when, during a struggle, he hit Mr Cosgrove in the eye and bit him, piercing the skin.

Mr Cosgrove was treated with a dressing and a tetanus injection.

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