A THUG who told cops “I’m up to my knees in fenian blood” has avoided being sent to prison.

James McCoo made the statement to police officers who were speaking with him outside a casino in Glasgow city centre.

The 57-year-old appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on Monday after previously pleading guilty to uttering sectarian remarks, aggravated by religious prejudice, on October 5, 2019.

Prosecutor Jennifer Gilmour said: “At around 1am, a witness was working as a taxi driver. He picked up the accused and conveyed him to his destination.

“Police then had cause to speak to the accused, who was outside Grosvenor Casino on Glassford Street. He became rude and aggressive towards the officers.

“He stated that the officers were ‘fenian b******s’. He went on to state ‘I’m up to my knees in fenian blood’.

Glasgow Times:

“The accused was cautioned and charged, and he continued to act in an aggressive manner.”

McCoo’s defence solicitor explained that the offence has since “overtaken” his client, who resides in emergency homelessness accommodation through the Salvation Army in Springburn.

The lawyer said: “In September last year, he lost his leg due to diabetes, which he has had since he was 32 years old. He hasn’t had a drink for the last 12 months.

“At the time of the offence, he was heavily intoxicated. Although, there is absolutely no excuse for his behaviour. He’s committed plenty of crimes in the past.

“He is clearly unfit and can’t do unpaid work, but he has recently completed a restriction of liberty order.

“The offence date itself is clearly quite old.”

Sheriff Allan Findlay made McCoo subject to a restriction of liberty order, which will see him tagged and required to stay at his address between 7pm and 7am for 80 days.

He said: “This is an alternative to custody.”