‘Republican’ beat grandfather up in row over Army cap
A ‘REPUBLICAN’ battered his 84-year-old grandfather on New Year’s Day after a fight arose because he was wearing a British Army cap.
Paul Bennett, 35, appeared in the dock at Glasgow Sheriff Court after admitting the offence.
He accepted that he assaulted his grandfather John, and repeatedly spat on him and seized him by the body.
He also pushed him over a table, causing the piece of furniture to break and his grandfather to fall to the ground.
The charge he pleaded guilty to also said he kicked his grandfather on the body to his injury.
The offence happened at a flat in Petershill Road, Springburn, on January 1.
The Procurator Fiscal depute told the court that Bennett was in his grandfather’s flat with his fiancee drinking alcohol at around 9.10pm.
The court heard that an altercation had arisen because Bennett’s grandfather had been wearing a British Army cap.
He called his grandfather a British and Orange b****** before spitting at him several times.
He grabbed his grandfather, pushed him back onto a table which caused it to break.
His grandfather fell to the ground and had pain in his back and side.
When he attempted to stand up, he fell on a chair. Bennett spat on him again and said: “I am a Republican.”
He kicked him on the chest, which caused his grandfather pain.
Bennett’s defence agent said his client was intoxicated when the incident happened.
The court heard that there was offensive behaviour from both sides.
Bennett’s mother, who is the daughter of the victim, was sitting in court.
She told the defence agent that her father is a bad tempered old man who can be extremely aggressive.
The court heard that he attempted to assault her on three occasions.
Bennett’s defence agent added that she had suffered an abusive life at the hands of her father.
He remained aggressive and abusive into his old age.
The court heard Bennett’s grandfather was prepared to forgive him.
Sentencing sheriff Rona Gilroy tagged Bennett for 60 days. He was also placed under supervision for 18 months.