A man once convicted of punching a priest who admitted singing sectarian songs has avoided jail.

David Bates, 38, made the remarks in Glasgow's Bridgeton on May 12 2022.

Court papers state Bates, also of Bridgeton, behaved in a threatening or abusive manner.

He shouted, swore, uttered threats of violence and brandished a pool cue.

Bates also repeatedly uttered sectarian remarks and sang sectarian songs as well as behaved in an aggressive manner.

Bates pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to the charge which was aggravated by religious prejudice.

Bates was ordered to on Tuesday do 150 hours of unpaid work and put under supervision for 12 months.

He was also tagged for six months keeping him indoors between 7pm and 7amd Bates will undertake a conduct requirement to engage with addiction services.

He was detained for four months in a young offenders institute after he admitted an assault on Father Stephen Dunn in 2005.

Bates shouted sectarian abuse at Father Dunn of Sacred Heart Church before striking him on the face.

The terrified priest took refuge in known Rangers pub The Keystane Bar in Bridgeton where he was looked after by regulars until Bates had left the area.

His then lawyer Ann McKinlay wrote to Father Dunn as well as arranged for the pair to meet after Bates was released.