Yob pays the price for rant

A foul-mouthed woman who shouted homophobic abuse at a neighbour has been fined.

Diane Beggs, 39, leaned out of the window and launched the hateful rant at her victim after she had been for a night out with her sister.

Paisley Sheriff Court heard Beggs was at mother’s home in the town’s Well Street with her sibling when she clocked the victim in the street.

Prosecutor Laura Wilcox said: “Witnesses entered the property when they heard the accused shouting down towards them.

“Witnesses Ms Baird, her sister and Mr Donnachie, had heard someone shouting and they made their way outside.

“Accused Diane Beggs referred to the complainer saying, ‘ There is the p**** b******.’

“And she said, ‘Get back in the house you big p***’.

“At that point, the witnesses decided to go back into the house and contacted police.

“Officers attended at around 3am and Beggs was taken to Paisley police office where she was later released on an undertaking to appear at this court.”

Beggs, of Underwood Court, Paisley, yesterday pleaded guilty to behaving in threatening and abusive manner by repeatedly utter ing homophobic remarks on June 9.

Donna Beggs had her plea of not guilty accepted by the prosecution.

Defence agent Gemma Elder said: “Diane Beggs was at her mother’s address on the night in question after having been out with other family members.

“She was at the window waiting on someone returning when she saw the complainer, who saw Ms Beggs at the window.

“This caused upset. Words were exchanged between the parties.

“She is utterly embarrassed at her conduct and she knows it is serious given the nature of the remarks.”

Sheriff Tom McCartney told Diane Beggs: “I will impose a fine of £ 280, reduced from £300 because of your plea of guilty.

“£150 of this fine is because the offence is aggravated by prejudice towards sexual orientation.”