The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Dundee FC midfielder McGowan spared jail over bouncer assault
The 30-year-old spat on Underground doorman Andrew MacLaughlan after Player of the Year celebrations
Dundee FC star Paul McGowan has narrowly avoided a prison sentence for spitting on a nightclub bouncer – his fifth conviction for assault.
The midfielder admitted attacking Underground doorman Andrew MacLaughlan on May 14 following the club’s Player of the Year celebrations at a nearby hotel.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard yesterday that the 30-year-old spat on the steward while being ejected after threatening other clubbers at the South Tay Street nightspot.
Despite multiple past convictions, including threatening to kill two police officers, he was told by Sheriff John Rafferty it was only by a “narrow margin” he was not being sent to prison.
Instead he was ordered to pay his victim £200 and complete 200 hours of unpaid work. He will also be restricted to his home between the hours of 7pm and 7am on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays for two months.
Dundee FC managing director John Nelms was in court to show the star man support — however McGowan arrived half an hour late for his appearance. His solicitor explained he mistakenly believed he was to appear at 10am rather than 9.30am.
McGowan’s restriction of liberty order is only applicable at weekends, meaning he can continue coaching youngsters from the club’s youth set-up on Tuesday evenings.
The conditions will also allow him to travel to away matches midweek.
In a statement, Dundee FC said it was supporting the former Celtic youth team player. A spokesperson said: “The club does not condone the behaviour which has led to this and we respect the decision made by the court.
“We will support Paul through this process. The club will be making no further comment on the matter.”
Depute fiscal Laura Bruce told the court the assault happened at around 1.45am while Mr MacLaughlan and another door steward were escorting McGowan from the club.
McGowan’s solicitor Elaine Rae said her client had not intended to spit on Mr MacLaughlan and was reacting to being punched by another person.
She added McGowan, of Kelvin Drive, Airdrie, was “remorseful and embarrassed” by his behaviour which had been fuelled by alcohol.
Sheriff Rafferty said he had been persuaded by the defence that a custodial sentence was not appropriate.
He said: “Unlike a number of other people who appear in this court, you are someone who has a particular skill and advantage in life.
“Notwithstanding that, you have been before the criminal courts on a number of occasions since 2010.
“Several of these are for crimes of violence and you have previously had the advantage of community-based alternatives.
“It’s by a narrow margin that you avoided custody. If you breach this order you are likely to go to jail.”
McGowan appeared in court just two days after featuring in Dundee’s first competitive game of the season — a 4-0 away victory over Stirling Albion in the Scottish League Cup.