Thugs spat on staff and poured crisps over them

TWO thugs who spat on and poured crisps over Asda employees after being warned about social distancing were jailed for a total of 55 months.

Steven McCreadie and Stephen Cooper carried out the assaults at Glasgow’s Duke Street branch on October 2, last year.

McCreadie said: “What are you going to do?” before spitting on Matthew Brady’s body.

Cooper meantime poured the crisp packet over Andrew Hutcheon and punched him on the face.

The pair – aged 35 and 27 – had earlier assaulted two strangers in the city’s Shettleston and made off with a baseball cap.

McCreadie pleaded guilty at

Glasgow Sheriff Court to assaulting Mr Brady and Lee Heraghty-White and received 28 months. Cooper admitted assaulting Mr Heraghty-White and Mr Hutcheon to his injury and received 27 months. The court heard the pair approached Mr Heraghty-White and Cooper pushed him off his bike.

Cooper then punched and kicked him on the face before taking his baseball cap then stating: “Thanks for the hat.”

McCreadie then approached Mr Heraghty-White and punched his face before saying: “On your way.”

The pair fled the scene in a taxi and later ended up in Asda while drunk.

Prosecutor Claire Wallace said: “They were at the check-outs and member of staff highlighted they were not socially distancing.

“McCreadie said what are you going to do to Mr Brady and spat towards him with the spittle landing on his chest.

“He then attempted to goad Mr Brady into a fight. Cooper poured a packet of crisps over Mr Hutcheon’s head and continued in an aggressive manner.

“He then punched Mr Hutcheon on the face.”

The pair were later restrained by security and arrested.

David O’Hagan, representing McCreadie, told the court he has little recollection of events and it was a serious matter.

Ross Yuill, defending Cooper, stated that he was under the influence of Vallium tablets and alcohol.

Sheriff Ian Fleming said: “There is legitimate expectation from the public to the courts to deal with serious cases like this.

“Your behaviour was entirely unacceptable and I have no option but to impose a custodial sentence.”