Man who spat on bystander at Orange Walk jailed

A man taking part in an Orange Walk who pushed a woman trying to cross the march and then spat at her was today jailed for four months.

Sheriff Daniel Kelly told 34-year-old father-of-two Darren Thompson that his behaviour was “disgusting and inexcusable.”

Thompson, from Drumchapel, Glasgow, pled guilty to pushing and spitting on Caitlin McCall in Glasgow’s West George Street in July 6 last year.

Co-accused William Carmichael, 45, admitted pushing Miss McCall during the incident that was captured on video.

Carmichael was banned from leaving his Milton, Glasgow, home for two months between 8pm and 8am and placed under supervision for a year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that Miss McCall was trying to get to her work on time and attempted to cut through the marchers.

The accused, both former members of the Drumchapel Protestant Boys Flute Band, were told by Sheriff Kelly: “Taking part in a march does not give you a licence to behave in any way you see fit. Participants in marches and members of the public are required to behave in a a way that is in accordance with the law. The complainer was trying to get to her work on time. She was not trying to provoke a reaction. This conduct is not acceptable.”

Sheriff Kelly added: “Mr Carmichael you pushed her on the body. Mr Thompson you pushed her causing her to stumble and then spat on her. What you did was disgusting and inexcusable.”

The court heard Miss McCall was traveling by taxi and got out as the cab couldn’t move further up the street due to road closures for the procession.

Prosecutor Hannah Sweeney said: “She stood on the footpath as the band was passing her.

“She identified an opening and took an opportunity to walk through the band.

“As she walked through Carmichael walked towards her and pushed her backwards.

“She passed in front of Thompson who pushed her causing her to stumble before he spat towards her with the spit ending up on the back of her jacket.”

Miss McCall was “shaken” when she arrived at work and was told to contact the police by colleagues.

She was “hesitant” and then a video on social media of the incident went viral.

Police were able to identify Miss McCall, Thompson and Carmichael from the footage.

Defence lawyer Tracy Paterson, representing Thompson, said: “He is very ashamed. He is working and would be more than willing to compensate the young lady and apologises to her.”

Defence lawyer Sean Flannigan, representing Carmichael, said: 'He comes across as remorseful and has apologised for his conduct.. He has no previous convictions for assault on his record.

“There is a belief the ranks should not be broken by anyone and when the crossing occurred he reacted in an instant.”

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