Man convicted of punching priest admits singing sectarian songs

David Bates, 38, also shouted, swore, threatened violence and brandished a pool cue in the incident.

David Bates who punched a priest admits singing sectarian songs in Bridgeton in Glasgow SNS Group

A man once convicted of punching a priest has admitted singing sectarian songs.

David Bates, 38, made the remarks in Glasgow’s Bridgeton on May 12 2022.

Court papers state Bates, also of Bridgeton, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

He shouted, swore, uttered threats of violence and brandished a pool cue.

Bates also repeatedly uttered sectarian remarks and sang sectarian songs as well as behaved in an agressive manner.

Bates pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the charge which was aggravated by religious prejudice.

He was detained for four months in a young offenders institute after he admitted an assault on Father Stephen Dunn in 2005.

Bates shouted sectarian abuse at Father Dunn of Sacred Heart Church before striking him on the face.

The terrified priest took refuge in known Rangers pub The Keystane Bar in Bridgeton where he was looked after by regulars until Bates had left the area.

His then-lawyer Ann McKinlay wrote to Father Dunn as well as arranged for the pair to meet after Bates was released.

Sentence was deferred for Bates’ latest matter until next month pending background reports.

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