Orange marcher jailed for pushing and spitting at woman

An Orange marcher who pushed a woman trying to cross the parade and then spat at her has been jailed for four months.

Sheriff Daniel Kelly told 34-year-old father-of-two Darren Thompson his behaviour was “disgusting and inexcusable”.

Thompson, from Drumchapel, Glasgow, pleaded guilty to pushing and spitting on Caitlin McCall in West George Street in July 6 last year.

Co-accused William Carmichael, 45, admitted pushing Ms McCall during the incident, which was captured on video.

Carmichael was banned from leaving his Milton, Glasgow, home for two months between 8pm and 8am and placed under supervision for a year.

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Miss McCall was trying to get to work on time and attempted to cut through the marchers.

The accused, both former members of the Drumchapel Protestant Boys Flute Band, were told by Sheriff Kelly: “Taking part in a march does not give you a licence to behave in any way you see fit.”

The court heard Miss McCall was travelling by taxi and got out because the cab was blocked by road closures.

Prosecutor Hannah Sweeney said: “She stood on the footpath as the band was passing her.

“She identified an opening and took an opportunity to walk through the band.

“As she walked through Carmichael walked towards her and pushed her backwards.

“She passed in front of Thompson, who pushed her, causing her to stumble before he spat towards her, with the spit ending up on the back of her jacket.”

Miss McCall was “shaken” when she arrived at work and was told to contact the police by colleagues. She was “hesitant” and then a video on social media of the incident went viral.

Police were able to identify Miss McCall, Thompson and Carmichael from the footage.