Sheriff blasts man, 20

Fineforbehaviour

A Calderwood rowdy who made offensive remarks about members of the armed forces on Armistice Day has been slammed by a sheriff for his “disgraceful” behaviour.

Drunken Lee Clelland also treated police officers to four verses of an Irish rebel song.

The 20-year-old, of Maxwellton Avenue, was fined £500 at Hamilton Sheriff Court. He admitted behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and singing a song about a proscribed terrorist organisation – the IRA – on November 11, 2017.

Gavin White, prosecuting, said he flagged down a passing police car about 4pm. Officers noted a “strong” smell of alcohol from him and he was immediately hostile, shouting insults about them and soldiers before launching into song. At one point he ran off but was caught after a chase.

Defending agent Ian Scott said his client, a first offender, was at a loss to explain his “unacceptable” behaviour.

Mr Scott told the court: “He had far too much to drink. The views he expressed are not views he holds strongly. He was trying to be controversial but the two nights he spent in custody sobered him up. He apologises to the court and I believe this will be an isolated incident.”

Sheriff Marie Smart said: “This was disgraceful conduct, especially on Armistice Day of all days. However, you do not have previous convictions so I can deal with the case by way of a financial penalty.”

The sheriff reduced the fine from £650 due to Clelland’s guilty plea.