Scottish Catholic Observer

Darren Thompson, 34, admitted jostling Caitlin McCall on Glasgow’s West George Street on July 6.

Thompson’s co-accused William Carmichael, 45, also pushed Miss McCall during the incident that was captured on video.

The pair, both members of the Drumchapel Protestant Boys Flute Band, pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Carmichael admitted his involvement in July while Thompson pleaded guilty in court on December 20.

The court heard Miss McCall was late for work and traveling by taxi. She got out as the cab as it could not move further due to road closures for the procession.

Prosecutor Hannah Sweeney said: “She stood on the footpath as the band was passing her.

“She identified an opening and took an opportunity to walk through the band. As she walked through Carmichael walked towards her and pushed her backwards.

“She passed in front of Thompson who pushed her causing her to stumble before he spat towards her with the spit ending up on the back of her jacket.”

Miss McCall was ‘shaken’ when she arrived at work and was told to contact police by colleagues. She was ‘hesitant’ as a video on social media had gone viral. Police were able to identify Miss McCall, Thompson and Carmichael from the footage.

Thompson told officers: “I don’t think I spat on her” while Carmichael made no comment. Sentence was deferred for reports by Sheriff Daniel Kelly. Thompson, from Drumchapel, and Carmichael, from Milton, were released on bail.