Man who racially abused bus passengers and spat at police in Glasgow pleads guilty

A court has heard a man hurled racist abuse on a bus before spitting at a police officer in Glasgow.

Jamie Rowan, 31, made the remarks in the city centre on 23rd April 2022.

Rowan then refused to get off the bus when ordered to by the driver.

He went on to spit towards the constable before making abusive comments towards them.

Rowan plead guilty today at Glasgow Sheriff Court, to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner.

Under the influence

The court heard that Rowan got on the bus while drunk with eight to 10 other passengers on board.

Prosecutor Jessica McGowan stated that Rowan shouted derogatory words before being racially abusive.

She added: "The driver formed the view that the racial abuse was referring to the colour of skin of some of the passengers on the bus."

The bus was then stopped, and Rowan was noted to be lying down.

Other passengers were then asked to get off for their own safety.

Detained

Police arrived shortly after and put Rowan in handcuffs.

Miss McGowan said: "During a conversation to identify himself, Rowan spat towards the upper body of PC Dawson."

Rowan continued to shout abuse and threats at the police which resulted in him not being formally charged.

Neil Kilcoyne, defending, told the court: "He was extremely intoxicated and has absolutely no memory of events due to this."

The lawyer added that Rowan has gained employment at Open Gates which supports prisoners and ex-prisoners through an employment and training program.

Sentence was deferred pending background reports by Sheriff Joan Kerr who granted Rowan bail meantime.

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