George Square "homeless protesters" in court to fight eviction

Calling themselves ‘The Occupants’ the group were represented by Sean Clerkin, 58, at Glasgow Sheriff Court as a ‘friend in court’ until legal aid can be obtained.

Author: Kerri-Ann DochertyPublished 3rd Apr 2019

Homeless protesters appeared in court for the first time today as Glasgow City Council seeks to evict them from the city's George Square.

Calling themselves ‘The Occupants’ the group were represented by Sean Clerkin, 58, at Glasgow Sheriff Court as a ‘friend in court’ until legal aid can be obtained.

He told the court: “We only knew that this case was going to come up yesterday.

“We want legal representation to come in.”

The Occupants have been living in tents on the square since March 25 this year.

The court heard that some of the homeless people had accepted assistance from Glasgow City Council, but others rebuffed the offer.

Speaking before the case, Clerkin said: “We want the SNP in Glasgow City Council and in the Scottish Government to understand that they must put in more money to help the homeless.

“There are a lot of empty houses which can be refurbished and house the homeless.”

Sheriff Diana McConnell will recall the case next week.