A racist football podcaster has been jailed for six months for the sectarian abuse of a journalist who edited a book detailing the collapse of Rangers Football Club.
David Limond, 41, from Ayr in Scotland used his unofficial Rangers podcast to racially abuse journalist Angela Haggerty while encouraging his 20,000 followers to do the same.
Limond was found guilty at Ayr Sheriff’s court in December 2013 of religiously aggravated breach of the peace.
Today, Limond received a six-month jail sentence as well as a three-year non harrassment order.
Related
The court heard that Limond featured Haggerty on his podcast in a section titled “Taig of the Day” on 20 September 2012.
Taig is an offensive term used to describe Catholics in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Limond also supplied his listeners with social media contact details for Haggerty so they could join in the abuse.
Content from our partners
According to Haggerty: “I am very happy and relieved that this case has been concluded. I do not think that Mr Limond has any idea of the fear and panic I went through when I heard his podcast. Giving evidence in court was also very stressful.
“Mr Limond referred to me as 'Taig of the day' in his podcast last year. I am glad that the court saw that this was similtaneously a racist and sectarian comment.
“I am proud of my Irish heritage and that seems to irk people like Mr Limond in Scotland.
“I hope my case encourages other people who are threatened by online bigots and bullies to come forward and seek justice.
“I hope Mr Limond, while in prison, will consider his actions and the racial hatred that propelled him to abuse and terrify me.
“I now consider the matter to be closed."
Limond decided to target Haggerty because she was editing a book on the collapse of Rangers football club by journalist Phil Mac Giolla Bhain.
Video of a Channel 4 investigation into racism into Scottish football. It also includes edited extracts of the offensive podcast.
Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog
