Woman is hit with glass for pub comment

A woman was hit by a glass after commenting on opposing fans being in a relationship on an Old Firm day.

Charlene Stillie admitted carrying out an assault under provocation at the Clansman, Plean, on April 17 last year.

The 23-year-old, of Gallamuir Drive in the village, had been watching the Scottish Cup tie between Celtic and Rangers with her partner.

On Wednesday (April 19), Stirling Sheriff Court heard that there had been some debate in the Clansman between Stillie and others over whether opposing fans of the Glasgow sides could be in a relationship.

The court was told Jennifer McKenzie, victim of the assault, remarked it was good that Stillie could be in a relationship with a Celtic fan despite supporting Rangers.

Fiscal depute Laura Knox said: “Mrs McKenzie knew that Mr Hogg (Stillie’s partner) was a Celtic supporter, and made a comment along the lines of ‘It’s good to see that you can both come out and there is not any bother’.

“The accused took exception to this comment made by the complainer, and they began to argue.”

Mrs Knox added: “The accused was seen throwing a glass she had in her hand, which landed on the head of Mrs McKenzie. “It smashed to the side of her face.” The victim was taken to Forth Valley Royal Hospital and received treatments to a small cut on her head and left eye lid, with doctors saying that the cuts would scar.

Defending, Frazer McCready said that there had been a heated discussion in the pub, with the complainer seeming having difficulty accepting people could be in a relationship if they supported different teams.

He said: “Miss Stillie decided that she wanted to leave.

“She had a glass in her hand, and as the complainer was coming towards her, she feared that there was going to be a confrontation.

“It was not her intention to cause injury with the glass.”

Sheriff Wyllie Robertson said that he did not give great weight to the accused being provoked.

However, the sheriff noted that Stillie was a first offender and that the episode was out of character. for the offender.

“This is a serious matter.” he said. “Throwing a glass, it smashing, and hitting someone on the face is something that can have serious consequences.”

Stillie was sentenced to 150 hours of unpaid work, to be completed within nine months.