A police officer has admitted repeatedly punching a country music fan while on duty.
PC Craig Simpson, 35, lashed out at Mark Pettigrew after the 30-year-old was asked to leave a gig at Glasgow’s Hydro on March 11 last year.
A court heard Pettigrew had been at the Country 2 Country event, featuring Lainey Wilson.
He was escorted from the venue after an incident with staff. PC Simpson noticed Pettigrew running from security and followed him in a police car.
Pettigrew dropped on the bonnet of the motor and Simpson struck after the music fan broke free from a colleague trying to restrain him.
Simpson hit Pettigrew’s head at least four times, causing his nose to swell. Simpson later claimed Pettigrew had been “extremely aggressive”.
A statement of opinion from fellow officer Brian Higgins said as Pettigrew’s arm was raised, an initial push to the face was “justified.”
But he added: “The subsequent strikes, especially holding handcuffs, causing Pettigrew to cover up and followed by two punches after this were not justified.”
Simpson’s police career is under threat after he pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court. Sentence was deferred until next month.
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