Dad and son fined for assaults at pub
Attacks happened during Six Nations rugby match
A Stirling father and son who carried out assaults on staff at a city centre pub during a Six Nations rugby match were each fined £520 this week.
Hugh Riley senior (56) had headbutted and injured a man to his injury while his 31-year-old son had grabbed another man by the throat.
The attacks occurred at Morrisons Cold Beer Company in Murray Place on Saturday February 5 this year.
The duo, of Ringans Lane, had each admitted a charge of assault.
Hugh Riley junior further admitted hindering a police officer during his duty by dropping to the ground and making himself a dead weight in an effort to prevent being placed under arrest.
Hugh Riley senior also pleaded guilty to a charge of resisting two police officers during their duty by kicking out, flailing his arms, struggling and attempting to break free from police officers when they had tried to place handcuffs on him in a bit to prevent arrest.
Appearing for sentence at Stirling Sheriff Court on Wednesday, the fiscal depute told Sheriff Keith O’Mahony that the charges spoke for themselves.
Their solicitor pointed out that a Six Nations rugby game had been taking place at that time.
He described the matter as “an isolated incident” for both accused, adding: “Matters were drawn to the attention of door staff to Mr Riley senior.
“He started to explain himself, but alcohol was involved and he didn’t express himself in the manner he would normally do so. His son got involved as well.”
The defence agent said the charges to which the men had pleaded guilty were “significantly less” than the original summary complaint.
The assaults, he added, were in relation to door staff, as well as resisting police officers.
The solicitor said the Rileys understood that three police vans had attended to apprehend them, and, under the influence of alcohol, believed that officers were being “heavy handed” with them.
They deeply regretted being involved in the incident and, the agent continued, if drinking in a pub again they would limit the amount of alcohol they consumed.
It was unlikely that they would be seen in court again, he added.
Not guilty pleas tendered by Hugh Riley senior on charges of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner by deliberately entering the female toilets at the pub and acting in an aggressive manner towards staff when asked to leave and uttering threats of violence – and failing to give his details following arrest – had been accepted by the Crown.
A not guilty plea tendered by Hugh Riley junior of failing to give his details to police following arrest had also been accepted by the fiscal depute.
Sentencing the Rileys, Sheriff O’Mahony, referring to reports prepared for the court, told them: “This seems to me to have been an entirely avoidable event.
“I detect a genuine remorse on the part of both of you. You have had limited contact with the criminal justice system.”
Both were fined £500 each, plus a surcharge of £20, payable within a month.