Two men admit to creating barricades during counter protest at Govan procession

Two men were involved in creating barricades during a counter protest at an Irish republican procession.

Steven Frew, 32, and Liam McMillan, 23, were 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 counter protesters refused to engage with police.

Miss Stevens: "It became apparent that if the procession were to proceed through the area of the counter 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.

McMillan - wearing a facemask - was identified by his hooded Lacoste top as part of the crowd.

Miss Stevens: "He assists the crowd by adding wheelie bins to the barricade in the middle of the road.

"Cars are attempting to drive down the road but are blocked by the number of people in the crowd and the bins."

Officers visited his home in October 2019 and the Lacoste top was recovered after a search before arresting him.

Frew meantime in a larger crowd 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, and McMillan, of Govan, pled guilty to a single charge of breach of the peace.

Sheriff Shona Gilroy deferred sentence on both men to separate dates at the end of March and in April.

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