A Rangers fan from Wishaw who spat on a police officer at a title party avoided jail today.
Stephen Devine launched spittle at PC Gary Burns' face in Glasgow city centre’s North Hanover Street on May 15, 2021.
The 32-year-old had earlier attempted to cut through a police cordon established near George Square.
Devine – a dad of three – pled guilty to assaulting PC Burns at Glasgow Sheriff Court this week.
The self-employed joiner and company owner was ordered to do 300 hours of unpaid work.
He was also tagged for nine months keeping him indoors between 8pm and 6am as well as told to pay the officer £500.
Sheriff Andrew Cubie said: “You do not have the excuse of youth.
“You are someone who is able to run a home and a business but you opted to celebrate a football success.
“You were unable to exhibit control, spat on an officer and to be in George Square is an inexplicable way to act.
“You say you were unable to remember spitting, but you were able to remember being hit by a baton.
“To me that just enhances the cowardice for this and not taking responsibility for it.”
An earlier hearing was told around 12pm Rangers fans had gathered at George Square to celebrate the club winning the Scottish Premiership title.
The afternoon became “more volatile and behaviour escalated in the streets.”
Officers entered George Square and formed a cordon with PC Burns being involved.
Prosecutor Alasdair Knox said: "Devine was part of a large group next to the cordon and he attempted to get through.
“He was told by PC Burns several times to leave.
“Devine was angry he was not allowed in George Square and spat in the face of PC Burns who was wearing a face mask, so it only landed on his cheek.”
Devine was arrested, but continued to shout at officers.
Paul Sweeney, defending, told the sentencing: “There is no excuse for what he did on this occasion - there is a clear loss of his temper. He was heavily intoxicated.
“He is ashamed and embarrassed - he was a season ticket holder and because of this matter he did not renew.
“He is a self-employed joiner with his own company.”
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