'Naive' minister mocked as sheriff clears war protesters

Key Points

• Sheriff clears anti-war protestors of terrorising tourism minister

• Frank McAveety had claimed he'd felt the "worst intimidation in his life"

• McAveety told by sheriff he had "completely blown his credibility"

Key quote "If this was the most frightening thing he has experienced in his career, then he must live a very sheltered life." - Sheriff Graeme Warner

Story in full FRANK McAveety, the minister for tourism, culture and sport, was mocked by a sheriff yesterday as he cleared two anti-war protesters of terrorising the politician in the street.

Mr McAveety said he had felt the "worst intimidation in his life" after an incident which occurred while he was canvassing in Glasgow’s South Side.

But Sheriff Graeme Warner said the minister had "completely blown his credibility" by making such a comment.

The sheriff went on: "Frank McAveety’s evidence of events was all over the place, and it is fair to say he over-egged the pudding.

"If this was the most frightening thing he has experienced in his career, then he must live a very sheltered life.

"I could understand it more if he lived in some sort of tyranny, but that is hardly the case.

"It is naive and unrealistic of a cabinet minister to think he cannot attract attention on the streets, especially at a time where a war is on-going."

Nicola Fisher, 32, a teacher, was found not guilty yesterday of causing a breach of the peace and harassing Mr McAveety in April last year, and John Harper, 33, had similar charges found not proven.

Glasgow Sheriff Court had heard the MSP for Glasgow Shettleston had been helping the campaign of the Labour candidate, Anne-Marie Millar, for the Govanhill council seat. Mr McAveety said he became aware of a number of people edging towards them, who swore, became aggressive and surrounded them.

He said they shouted about the war in Iraq and the recent controversial closure of a local swimming baths.

Mr McAveety told the court that Miss Fisher was "central" in the incident.

His colleague, Miss Millar, said she was pinned against a wall by the group and had election leaflets ripped from her hands. Both the accused admitted speaking to the Labour pair that evening, but denied acting in a disorderly manner.

They claimed Mr McAveety had been "in your face" and "threatening".

Miss Fisher said: "We only put it to him: was he not horrified what was going on in Iraq and that by his party helping shut the swimming baths, it had left a lot of people unhappy."

Sheriff Warner said he thought that the comments directed to Mr McAveety were "fair game". He added: "Surely in the society that we live in, one can express such views to politicians."

Supporters of Miss Fisher, of Calder Street, Govanhill, and of Mr Harper, of Alexandra Parade, Dennistoun, applauded as they were acquitted.

Miss Fisher’s lawyer, Aamer Anwar, pointed out afterwards: "If politicians do not like what they face, perhaps they should consider resigning.

"The court’s verdict has been a lesson in democracy that they should reflect upon," the lawyer added.