Gay couple jailed after brawling with police called to row over Christmas decorations

A gay couple were jailed on Friday for brawling with police called to sort out a domestic row over their Christmas decorations. Paul Lappin, 26, and Darren Oakes, 40, hurled anti-Scottish racist abuse at the officers and kicked and punched them. And a sheriff said he had no alternative but to jail the pair, originally from Liverpool, because of their lengthy criminal records.

Lappin was sent to prison for nine months and Oakes for eight months. Jim Eodanable, prosecuting, told Perth Sheriff Court: “This was at their home and they are partners who live together. Officers attended regarding a domestic incident. This was a minor incident regarding the Christmas decorations. It was sorted and the officers left.” He said police were called back again to the home in Perth as the couple reported they had lost a key.



There were several 999 calls from the same number. The couple refused to open the door, saying they couldn’t find the keys. Mr Eodanable added: “The officers could hear Lappin in a heated exchange with his partner. He said, ‘Leave it – they are just Scottish w*****s.’ The officers could hear an ongoing disturbance. Entry was forced.” One officer was punched and a female officer kicked during the struggle. Lappin also tried to bite one officer.

Lappin shouted: “You f****** Scottish c****. You’re going to get independence and then you can shove your stupid f****** Scottish laws up your arse.” Lappin and Oakes, who live in High Street, Perth, both admitted police assault and acting in a racially aggravated manner in Perth on December 6. Cliff Culley, defending, said the couple moved to Perth to get away from their offending lifestyles. He added: “Mr Lappin accepts he made racist remarks to start with. He accepts his behaviour was totally unacceptable.”