Anti-immigration protestor sentenced for threats

A member of an anti-immigration group who made threats during a protest in Dundee has been placed under social work supervision.

Robbie Robertson, 28, was acting as camera man and social media manager for the Dundee Patriots at the time of the offences.

At the city's sheriff court, Robertson admitted acting aggressively during a protest in Reid Square in December.

He also admitted going into a hotel, less than a fortnight later, and asking residents about who was staying there.

Dundee Sheriff Court was told that his verbal abuse was aggravated by prejudice against disabilities and sexual orientation.

Robertson, who has previous convictions for assault and breach of the peace, was placed under social work supervision for 18 months by Sheriff George Way.

The court heard Robertson, of Dundee, admitted acting in a threatening or abusive manner which caused fear or alarm in the city on 17 December.

He admitted acting aggressively during an anti-immigration protest in Reid Square, shouting, swearing, uttering offensive remarks and threats of violence.

Robertson also admitted that, on 29 December, he targeted the Craigtay Hotel and tried to gain entry to it by obtaining the door's security pin code.

He gained entry by squeezing in behind a resident, then banging doors and questioning residents about who was staying in the hotel.

Reid Square has been targeted by protestors who oppose asylum seekers residing in the city.

Some claimed the Craigtay Hotel was housing asylum seekers.

However, in December, the Home Office said no asylum seekers were in the building.