The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Premier League player avoids jail
Midfielder commits his fifth assault in drunken rammy at nightclub
A footballer who spat on a bouncer during a drunken nightclub rammy following his team’s awards ceremony has dodged jail – despite it being his fifth assault.
Dundee midfielder Paul McGowan had been thrown out of the Underground nightclub on the city’s South Tay Street when the attack happened.
The court heard that when the 30-year-old former Celtic midfielder was asked to leave the club due to his “aggressive behaviour”, he turned and spat on bouncer Andrew MacLaughlan.
But despite previous convictions for assaults, breach of the peace and threatening and abusive behaviour, McGowan was spared jail – and instead given an electronic tag and ordered to carry out unpaid work. He must also pay his victim £200 compensation.
McGowan sat with club chairman John Nelms in the public benches as he awaited his case.
Neither McGowan nor Nelms would comment following the sentencing.
Fiscal depute Laura Bruce told Dundee Sheriff Court that McGowan had been spotted spitting on Mr MacLaughlan at around 1.45am on the street outside the nightclub.
She said: “He was seen on CCTV as clearly not happy and he kept approaching the door.
“He then spat on Mr MacLaughlan as he walked back down the stairs.”
McGowan, of Kelvin Drive, Airdrie, admitting spitting on Mr MacLaughlan.
Defence solicitor Elaine Rae said: “On exiting the nightclub he was punched in the back of the head and that caused the commotion.
“During that commotion he spat at the individual who had punched him but instead hit Mr MacLaughlan.
“He fully appreciates that is no excuse.”
Sheriff John Rafferty imposed a community payback order with 12 months supervision and 200 hours of unpaid work.
He also placed McGowan on an electronic tag requiring him to be at his home address between 7pm and 7am on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights for the next two months.
The sheriff said that was so McGowan could play midweek matches and carry out coaching duties in Dundee’s youth setup.
He said: “Unlike many other people who appear in these courts, you are someone who has a particular skill and talent.
“Notwithstanding that, you have been before the criminal courts on a number of occasions.
“The court has to impose a sentence which deters others from conduct of that nature.”
“Unlike many other people who appear in these courts, you have a particular skill”