Falkirk protest organiser fined £540 for abusing police officer on Dec 6

Protest organiser Connor Graham was fined £540 by Falkirk court for shouting at a police officer. This fine is for a public order offence.
By Newsroom | Crime, Scotland |

Falkirk Court Imposes Fine for Public Order Offence

Connor Graham, 28, has been fined £540 by Falkirk Sheriff Court after admitting to a statutory breach of the peace. Graham, who organised the now-disbanded 'Save Our Futures & Our Kids' Futures' group, pleaded guilty to abusing a police officer on December 6th. The incident occurred outside the Hotel Cladhan in Falkirk, a venue that had been the subject of the group's protests concerning the housing of asylum seekers.

Graham's guilty plea centres on acting aggressively and directing abusive remarks, including swearing and derogatory comments, towards PC Nathan Wilson while the officer was on duty. The prosecution accepted Graham's not guilty plea to a separate charge alleging attempted incitement to violence. Graham stated he would cease involvement in protests due to the presence of "far right groups."

Anti-asylum protest organiser fined for abusing police officer - 1

Court Records and Context

Graham, from Stenhousemuir, Stirlingshire, has a history of previous convictions, including dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He also faces an outstanding allegation of fraud. The court heard his prior record and the current offence led to him being branded a risk to public safety.

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The 'Save Our Futures & Our Kids' Futures' group had been protesting outside the Hotel Cladhan for some time, citing concerns over "uncontrolled immigration." Graham reportedly claimed his behaviour towards the officer stemmed from observing a counter-protester from an anti-fascist group, whom he stated had been abusive online, being allowed on the opposite side of a police cordon. Graham acknowledged his actions, saying, "I know it happened, ultimately I shouldn’t have done it."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was protest organiser Connor Graham fined by Falkirk Court?
Connor Graham was fined £540 for admitting to a statutory breach of the peace. He pleaded guilty to abusing a police officer, PC Nathan Wilson, on December 6th outside the Hotel Cladhan in Falkirk.
Q: What exactly did Connor Graham do to the police officer?
Graham acted aggressively and used abusive language, including swearing and derogatory comments, towards PC Nathan Wilson while the officer was on duty. The prosecution accepted his not guilty plea to a charge of inciting violence.
Q: What was the protest about that led to this incident?
The protest was organised by Graham's group, 'Save Our Futures & Our Kids' Futures', concerning the housing of asylum seekers at the Hotel Cladhan. Graham stated he would stop protesting due to the presence of far-right groups.
Q: Does Connor Graham have a criminal record?
Yes, Graham has previous convictions for dangerous driving and driving while disqualified. He also faces an allegation of fraud. The court considered his prior record when branding him a risk to public safety.
Q: What did Graham say about his actions?
Graham acknowledged his behaviour, stating, "I know it happened, ultimately I shouldn’t have done it." He claimed his actions were triggered by seeing a counter-protester from an anti-fascist group on the opposite side of a police cordon.