Man who spat on sheriff faces imprisonment

Gordon Rose, 33, from Govan, carried out the assault when the court convened outside his cell in August.

He admitted breaching a community order but spat on Sheriff Daniel Kelly when he was remanded in custody.

The saliva landed on Sheriff Kelly’s arm, gown and in his mouth.

Procurator fiscal depute Chris Farrell said: “His solicitor advised the sheriff that he could not be moved from the cell area and the custody court sheriff was asked to convene the court at his cell.

“At 4.30pm the sheriff convened the court into the cell area outside Rose’s cell.”

Mr Rose had asked to be released on bail before being sentenced, a request that was refused.

Mr Farrell added: “At this stage the accused spat at the sheriff and it landed on his face, inside his mouth, on his arm and gown.

“The security officer quickly shut the open latch on the door.”

Defence lawyer Ian Brechny said: “It was a reaction to not being allowed bail for four days, which there is no rationale behind.”

He added that Mr Rose is sorry and “considers this disgusting behaviour”.

Sheriff Principal Craig Turnbull deferred sentencing of Mr Rose, who admitted the assault, until later this month.