Man caught with UVF flag during loyalist walk

A MAN was caught with an Ulster Volunteer Force flag while he participated in an Orange Walk.

Matthew Buchanan, 45, was snared with the flag in Glasgow’s Dennistoun on July 1 last year.

The city’s Sheriff Court heard that officers were at a procession which took place on Duke Street around 4pm.

Officers were requested to approach the marchers in relation to someone being spotted with a flag of a “proscribed organisation”

Prosecutor Louise James said: “Officers walked along the path and they saw Buchanan in possession of a flag draped over his back.

“There was symbolism of the Ulster Volunteer Force which is a proscribed organisation as well as the lettering UVF.”

Officers stopped Buchanan, of Paisley, Renfrewshire, and removed the flag.

He was cautioned and charged then replied: “I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to have it.

“I purchased it from a street vendor on Glasgow Green earlier today.”

Buchanan pleaded guilty yesterday to carrying and displaying a flag with symbolism and initials of the UVF in such a way or in circumstances as to arouse reasonable suspicion that he was a member or supporter of the organisation.

Darran Khorasani, defending, told the court:

“He shouldn’t have had it and didn’t know he shouldn’t have had it but that is not an excuse.

“He apologises for having it.”

Sheriff Thomas Ward fined Buchanan £ 420 and Mr Khorasani asked if his client, who is unemployed, could pay £ 20 per month.

The sheriff replied: “No, it cost him more to buy the flag.”

The lawyer then agreed that Buchanan will pay £ 40 per month.