Woman from Hamilton put on sex offenders register after licking MSP's neck during campaign

A woman has been placed on the sex offenders register and been ordered to attend counselling after licking an MSP’s neck.

Elspeth Wood approached a member of the Scottish Parliament while they were out campaigning for the general election on May 27, 2024.

She made a sexual comment towards the MSP before hugging and licking them on the neck.

The 57-year-old pled guilty to acting in a threatening and abusive manner towards an elected official, an offence under Section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010, in February.

Ms Wood, from Hamilton, was given a community payback order with three years supervision and ordered to attend counselling at Hamilton Sheriff Court on Monday.

A non-harassment order, stopping her from contacting her victim, was also granted for a three-year period.

The sheriff accepted the prosecutor’s submissions that there was a significant sexual element to the offence, and placed Wood on the sex offenders register for the same period.

Les Brown, Procurator Fiscal for South Strathclyde, said: “Elspeth Wood has been held accountable for her unacceptable and disturbing behaviour following this prosecution.

“Elected representatives and officials should not have to suffer any kind of abusive behaviour during election business or while supporting and engaging with constituents.

“The Procurator Fiscal recognises the trauma that such behaviour can cause and is committed to taking appropriate action to address such offending and ensuring that women are protected.”