Mother fined for taunting gay son

A mother in Aberdeen who shouted homophobic abuse at her estranged teenage son has been fined. Celia Duncan, 42, abused 16-year-old Stuart O'Neill when she spotted him holding hands with his boyfriend.

Duncan, who admitted breach of the peace, swore at the pair and called them "poofs", Aberdeen Sheriff Court heard. She was fined £250.

Fiscal depute Cecilia Dyckhoff, prosecuting, told the court: "The complainer was walking with his friend on Back Hilton Road when he saw Miss Duncan's car going past, brake suddenly, turn round and stop. He knew it was her car and started to run away. He and his friend climbed a wall and ran through a wood and the accused chased him shouting at them, making homophobic remarks."



Ms Dyckhoff said Mr O'Neill's mother later sent him a voicemail saying: "I will get you, believe me, and you will get your head kicked in." She told the court: "He then got a text message that said 'I will get you and your poof'."

Defence lawyer Les Green said his client, from the Bridge of Don area of Aberdeen, was frustrated because her son had disappeared and lost contact with the family.

Shop assistant Mr O'Neill said: "My mum didn't like the fact I was gay. She told me to stop being gay or get out of Aberdeen. She basically threw me out of the house. I feel really betrayed by my mum. What she said to me was vile and hurtful."