Loyalist protester who built barricades avoids jail

A loyalist protester who built barricades during a protest at an Irish republican procession avoided jail today. Steven Frew, 32, was part of a "large scale disturbance" in Glasgow's Govan on August 30 2019.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard there was an organised procession held by the James Connolly Republican Flute Band.

The Wolfe Tone Irish Republican Flute band as well as the Coatbridge United Irishmen Flute band were also there.

Around 100 people were expected to attend along with 30 stewards.

Prosecutor Carrie Stevens told the court that a "significant counter protest from the Loyalist fraternity developed."

The 400 counter protesters spread across number of streets in Govan with the largest crowd gathered at a cenotaph on Govan Road.

The hearing was told that the protesters refused to engage with police.

Miss Stevens: "It became apparent that if the procession were to proceed through the area of the protesters, this was likely to lead to serious disorder."

Officers attempted to contain the protesters at the cenotaph to allow the flute band to take an alternative route.

But, due to street layout and the high numbers, the protesters were able to make their way towards the park where the procession was located.

Public order officers were deployed to use dispersal tactics such as baton dispersals, horses and dogs.

The protesters were pushed back but they created barricades and set small fires on the road and pavements.

Miss Stevens: "They continued gesturing towards officers.

"Significant disruption was caused in the area with a huge number of people congregating on the road preventing vehicles and pedestrians moving in the area."

Due to the "large scale disturbance" CCTV and social media footage was used to trace those responsible.

Frew was in a large crowd and was identified by his blue jacket, jogging bottoms and long-sleeved jumper.

Miss Stevens: "He assists in building a barricade on the road by moving pieces of furniture and a wheelie bin.

"He removes a piece of scaffolding from a nearby building and adds it to the barricade."

He was further spotted running away from police before creating a barricade between the protesters and officers.

Miss Stevens added: "He is observed changing his clothes, getting into a vehicle and leaving the area."

Frew handed himself in to police on October 15 2019.

Frew, of Shotts, North Lanarkshire, pled guilty to a single charge of breach of the peace.

His lawyer Gerry Devanney told the sentencing that Frew’s actions as going “beyond what could be described as a peaceful protest.”

Sheriff Shona Gilroy ordered Frew to do 210 hours of unpaid work.

She said: “My thoughts from the CCTV played at the time is that this was shameful behaviour - a real plight on our city and reputation of our city.

“I’m sure that is not lost on you and I look to impose punishment to record the court’s displeasure.”

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