A former children’s home resident has been warned to be of good behaviour after he admitted spitting on the face of a Kibble employee.
Cameron Rennie spat on Stephen Prior in April 2020, at Kibble care and education home, in Love Street, Paisley, while the country was under strict lockdown restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Rennie threw a huff at not being allowed internet access, stormed out of the room and, when followed by his support worker, he viciously spat on him.
Prosecutor David Gallagher told Paisley Sheriff Court the incident unfolded in a narrow stairwell leading to the bedroom area of the home.
The court was told Prior was a child and youth care worker at the time of the vile incident and, that on April 11, 2020, the country was in lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Mr Gallagher explained: “The witnesses at the time were all staff on duty at the time and Rennie was a resident at Kibble at the time.
“Around 8am, on Saturday, April 11, the accused made his way to the living room looking for access to the internet. Rennie was advised he wasn’t allowed internet access at that time as he hadn’t completed his morning routines.
“The accused took exception to this and became aggressive and he was told to take time out. Rennie then stormed out continuing his hostile behaviour and the witnesses followed him.
“He made his way up the stairs and spat on Mr Prior’s face covering it with spital. Rennie then made his way to his room and barricaded himself in there.
“Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Mr Prior was worried about negative health issues this incident may have caused and contacted police.
“Mr Prior cleaned himself up, made his way to Rennie’s room and waited for him to calm down.”
Defence agent Jim Clarke explained how Rennie was just 19 years old and has returned home.
Mr Clarke provided a report from a doctor for the court’s assistance and advised Rennie had no cases outstanding.
Sheriff Gillian Craig deferred sentence for two months for Rennie to be of good behaviour.
Sheriff Craig stated: “Do not misunderstand me, I am absolutely appalled by an episode of spitting, especially towards people trying to assist you.”
Rennie, now of Southhouse Grove, Edinburgh, will return to court on February 23 for sentencing.
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