A young man has been sentenced at Glasgow Sheriff Court for assaulting a police officer by spitting on her, alongside charges of uttering homophobic and derogatory remarks and threatening behaviour. Sheriff Joan Kerr, presiding over the case, issued a stark warning regarding the severity of such offences against emergency service personnel.
Liam Murphy, 18, admitted to assaulting Police Constable Ruth McTaggart by spitting on her. His saliva landed on the officer’s hair and back while she was driving a police van. Murphy also pleaded guilty to making offensive comments towards officers and striking his head against a police vehicle’s wall.
Sheriff Kerr addressed the accused directly, stating:
“Day in, day out, individuals are sent to prison who spit on police officers.”
She further remarked:
“The only thing causing me to step back is your age and that you seem to be maturing slightly.”
The incident began on August 30, 2025, at a Sainsbury’s supermarket on Buchanan Street in Glasgow city centre. Murphy approached Jack Bell and Simon Darling, who were distributing religious leaflets, and called them racists. Despite the pair ignoring him and continuing their work, an intoxicated Murphy returned several times, shouting. Bell and Darling subsequently decided to pack up their stall and leave the area.
Plain-clothed police officers on patrol received a report about a man acting in a threatening manner. They located Murphy walking on Bath Street, where he was arrested and placed in a cell van. During the journey to Aitkenhead police station, the Dennistoun resident headbutted the seat in front of him and a window. Officers had to restrain him to ensure his safety.
While in the van, Murphy continued to behave abusively. He directed a barrage of insults at the officers, stating:
“Nobody asked you, you dirty cow. Dirty ugly p**i b*****d. Dirty f*****g slut. Smelly p**i b*****d”.
He then began spitting, with some of his saliva reaching Constable McTaggart. Murphy continued his verbal abuse, shouting:
“Specky cow, ugly cow. Dirty, smelly black b*****d.”
At the hearing, Murphy’s lawyer presented mitigating circumstances. The solicitor explained that the teenager is currently subject to a tag for another case but has not reoffended since this particular incident. The lawyer also highlighted concerns about Murphy’s health, stating:
“He is being assessed for ADHD. I would be surprised if he doesn’t have it. He has had difficulties.”
The court heard about the support Murphy receives from his family, with his lawyer noting:
“His mother is very supportive but not supportive of his drinking.”
Emphasis was also placed on Murphy’s employment, described as an apprenticeship. His legal representative added:
“The order allows him to focus on his employment. He works well and has a high regard from his employers. It’s a good job, an apprenticeship.”
The defence also suggested that Murphy requires guidance. His lawyer concluded:
“He clearly needs some guidance. Hopefully, he won’t get in trouble or at least not in such a vile way.”
Sheriff Kerr acknowledged Murphy’s age and employment opportunity, but reiterated her condemnation of his actions. She stated:
“You have a job, that is a good opportunity. The things you have said were vile and your conduct was particularly vile.”
Murphy was handed a community payback order. This requires him to complete 100 hours of unpaid work within one year and undergo supervision by a social worker for 18 months. He will also be mandated to engage with alcohol services as part of his sentence.
Further information on court proceedings in Scotland can be found on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website.
Source: Glasgow Times
