Gers fan caught ‘orange-handed’ at scene of crime
Court Reporter A RANGERS fan was caught ‘orange-handed’ as he committed vandalism close to Celtic Park.
Scott Palmer was picked up by police for spray-painting a number of items around the football stadium.
Glasgow Sheriff Court was told that officers were initially flagged down by a taxi driver who’d spotted a number of youths committing the crime.
When police arrived at the scene they discovered a junction box, fence, bus stop, wall and traffic sign had all been tagged with slogans such as “RFC” and “Union Bears”.
Palmer was then found to have the same orange spray paint on his hands.
When arrested, he admitted: “Yes, I done it.”
The 19-year-old, of Quarryknowe Street in Parkhead, pleaded guilty to maliciously spraying slogans related to Rangers Football Club in London Road on September 17, last year.
He also admitted acting alongside others to steal three flags from Partick Thistle Football Club two days before his vandalism spree, on September 15, 2017.
Following the Scottish Premiership game, in which The Jags drew 2-2 with Rangers, Palmer returned to Firhill Stadium with another male at 10.45pm that night.
While he stood guard, his friend leaped over a fence and returned a short time later with three official supporter flags from the north stand.
The duo made their escape via a car, however Palmer was later identified via CCTV and made a full disclosure when apprehended.
The defence agent noted that the offences “strikes of immaturity and bravado” as Palmer foolishly acted alongside others.
Palmer, who had never been in trouble before, was said to have shown regret for his actions and now wanted to put the incident behind him.
Palmer, who is a full-time college student studying travel and tourism, hopes to continue his education into sports coaching.
Sheriff Allan Findlay refused the Crown’s motion for a Football Banning Order but did sentence the accused to a Community Payback Order with 100 hours of unpaid work to be completed within six months.