Man who threw lit fireworks at republican parade in Glasgow jailed
David McCaig left a police officer with burns and permanent hearing damage in the attack in September last year
A man who threw fireworks at an Irish republican parade in Glasgow, leaving a police officer with serious injuries, has been jailed for 16 months.
Builder David McCaig, 33, was part of a large group of protestors against the march, and planned the attack in advance at the Broomielaw last September.
He hurled two fireworks at the marchers. One of them bounced off a bus and injured PC David Brown causing him partial hearing loss, burns and blurred vision.
McCaig pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to culpable and reckless conduct by injuring PC Brown to his severe injury and permanent impairment. The offence was aggravated by religious prejudice.
Sheriff Andrew Cubie told McCaig, of Law, South Lanarkshire, that only a custodial sentence reflected the “abhorrence” of the offence.
The sheriff added: “This doesn’t appear to be a momentary loss of control, rush of blood to the head, or you lost in the moment. There was no youthful impulsivity.
“You bought the fireworks and took them into the crowd and threw them which caused an injury.
“You are old enough to know better.
“I have dealt with sectarianism in Glasgow and I repeat this isn’t about interfering with the rights of people celebrating traditions.
“This is the court's disappointment at the deep-rooted issue of sectarianism that generates hatred and conflict in society.”
Officers conducted a “large scale public order operation” that day because of trouble the week before in the city’s Govan during another Republican parade.
Police separated the marchers and 100 to 150 loyalist protesters near the King George V bridge.
Prosecutor Graham Macdonald told the court a number of items were thrown at the police and marchers by the protesters.
The 42-year-old officer with 14 years' service suffered burns to his right shoulder, ringing in his right ear and blurring to his right eye.
The court heard PC Brown was taken to hospital and was found to have lost 60 per cent of the hearing in his right ear.
Mr Macdonald told the court as of January this year PC Brown continues to have problems with tinnitus and trouble sleeping.
He was fitted with a hearing aid, but was told his loss of hearing will be permanent.
PC Brown now struggles with PTSD, stress and anxiety but has since returned to work in a training role.
McCaig’s lawyer told the court that he apologises and recognises his actions were unacceptable.
It was also revealed that McCaig had a previous conviction for a breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice and others for domestic matters.
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