A Loyalist thug who lobbed fireworks at an Irish republican parade and left a police officer with serious injuries was jailed for 16 months today.
Builder David McCaig, 33, who was part of a large group of protestors against the march, planned the attack in advance at Glasgow’s Broomielaw last September.
He hurled two fireworks at the marchers. One of them bounced off a bus and injured PC David Brown causing him 60 per cent hearing loss, burns and blurred vision.
McCaig pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to culpable and reckless conduct by injuring PC Brown to his severe injury and permanent impairment.
The offence was aggravated by religious prejudice.
Sheriff Andrew Cubie told McCaig, of Law, South Lanarkshire, that only a custodial sentence reflected the “abhorrence” of the offence.
The sheriff added: “This doesn’t appear to be a momentary loss of control, rush of blood to the head, or you lost in the moment. There was no youthful impulsivity.
“You bought the fireworks and took them into the crowd and threw them which caused an injury.
“You are old enough to know better.
“I have dealt with sectarianism in Glasgow and I repeat this isn’t about interfering with the rights of people celebrating traditions.
“This is the court's disappointment at the deep-rooted issue of sectarianism that generates hatred and conflict in society.”
Officers conducted a “large scale public order operation” that day because of trouble the week before in the city’s Govan during another Republican parade.
Police separated the marchers and 100 to 150 loyalist protesters near the King George V bridge.
Prosecutor Graham Macdonald told the court a number of items were thrown at the police and marchers by the protesters.
He said: “McCaig walked over to the group of counter protestors and stopped in the middle of them.
“He then threw a pyrotechnic towards the direction of police and the marchers which exploded.
“He is then seen standing behind the group of protestors and is seen to ignite a second pyrotechnic and throw it towards the direction of the police.
“The pyrotechnic then struck a nearby vehicle before striking PC Brown on the body, bouncing off him and exploding directly nearby.”
The 42-year-old officer with 14 years' service suffered burns to his right shoulder, ringing in his right ear and blurring to his right eye.
McCaig was later snared after his distinctive orange top and blue shorts were identified from footage of the incident.
Officers raided his home to find fireworks in his shed and two boxes of smoke bombs in his living room.
His phone was also seized which uncovered a conversation on Instagram which revealed he had bought the fireworks days prior for £236.
McCaig chased up his order with the seller asking if he’d ordered a “rocket launcher.”
The court heard PC Brown was taken to hospital and was found to have lost 60 per cent of the hearing in his right ear.
Mr Macdonald told the court as of January this year PC Brown continues to have problems with tinnitus and trouble sleeping.
He was fitted with a hearing aid, but was told his loss of hearing will be permanent.
PC Brown now struggles with PTSD, stress and anxiety but has since returned to work in a training role.
McCaig’s lawyer told the court that he apologises and recognises his actions were unacceptable.
It was also revealed that McCaig had a previous conviction for a breach of the peace aggravated by religious prejudice and others for domestic matters.
