'Pub In The Park' Drunk Attacked And Spat At Security

A drunken young Scot had “hate and disgust” in his face as he kicked a female security officer in the face and spat on her at the 'Pub in the Park' music festival, a court heard today.

Shop worker Callum McPherson, 24, had already headbutted and spat at her male colleague at the event in Wimbledon Park, south-west London.

The first-time offender, who claims he had no recollection of the violent incident had caused trouble at the event by trying to pull down flags and grope a female security officer.

McPherson, of Hillview Crescent, Montrose, Ferryden, Angus had been staying at his father's address in Glen Albyn Road, Wimbledon when he attended the nearby event with a female friend.

He pleaded guilty at Wimbledon Magistrates Court to assaulting Robert James and Lorraine Searle in Wimbledon Park on May 28.

Prosecutor Victoria Alicea told the court: “Police officers were called to 'Pub in the Park' where they saw the defendant sat on the ground and being verbally abusive.

“Earlier he had grabbed at a female security guard's behind and then grabbed flags and poles.

“He headbutted Mr James and spat at him and kicked a female security guard in the face and spat on her.

“He told the police officers he had no recollection of the incident.”

Afterwards Ms Searle told police: “The level of hate and disgust in his face was scary. I should not come to work and be assaulted.”

McPherson's lawyer David Targett said: “He was a man of good character, but that has now been lost.

“These offences were out of character and were only committed because he was drunk.

“He is a working man and was said to have been apologetic and remorseful at the scene.

“He went to the event with a female friend and got drunk. He suffers with anxiety and is on medication.”

Magistrate Vanessa Weguelin told McPherson: “We have heard about these assaults in Wimbledon Park and you admitted you were drunk, but these people were doing their jobs as security guards and were there safeguarding other people.”

McPherson was fined £450 and ordered to pay £100 compensation to each victim. He must also pay £85 costs and a £45 surcharge.

“I hope this has been a lesson to you. Do not do it again,” the magistrate told him. “Next time it will be far more serious now you have a criminal record.”