Racist abuse: does the punishment fit the crime?

Abigot avoided jail this week after he admitted racially abusing a Scottish Government minister. Christopher Chisholm confronted Humza Yousaf as the politician took part in a Big Issue awareness initiative outside Glasgow’s Queen Street station on February 7.

The 31-year-old has previous breach of the peace convictions with religious and sexual orientation aggravations.

He had also been fined £600 after he ran on to the pitch at Hampden when Rangers beat Celtic in the 2003 League Cup final.

So what did this charming chap, with a history of aiming bile at gay people and those who practice a different religion to him, receive as punishment?

He’ll have to carry out 90 hours of unpaid work.

I realise there was no physical attack on Yousaf, nor did Chisholm make any threats of violence.

But what kind of message do we send by continually recalling someone to court for abusing people because they are different from them if there is no behavioural change?

Glasgow Sheriff Court heard Chisholm told Yousaf “you’re not from my country” and made reference to “a benefits locust”.

So many people risk breaking their arms by patting themselves on the back about Scotland being welcoming to different cultures.

Big problems remain. We need better education or tougher punishments.