Three individuals have been sentenced to prison for a violent sectarian attack on a Celtic supporter that resulted in a brain bleed. The assault took place on March 8, following an Old Firm match between Celtic and Rangers, which Celtic won on penalties.
Ben Stanex, 24, Scott Dragsness, 55, and Andrew Graham, 21, attacked Bruce Craik as he was helping other fans board a supporters bus. The group reportedly hurled sectarian slurs at Mr. Craik before Stanex punched him and then repeatedly stamped on his head. Dragsness and Graham then joined the assault, kicking Mr. Craik about the body.
Mr. Craik was rendered unconscious and was later found to have sustained a brain bleed. Stanex, Dragsness, and Graham all pleaded guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to charges of severe injury and danger to life, with the offense aggravated by religious prejudice.
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre sentenced Stanex and Graham to one year each in prison, while Dragsness received an 18-month sentence. The sheriff emphasized the seriousness of football-related violence, particularly when fueled by religious or sectarian motives. "To inflict such violence on someone poses an obvious danger to life," the sheriff stated, concluding that a custodial sentence was necessary to protect the public and deter future offenses.
All three men received seven-year football banning orders, prohibiting them from attending any football grounds in the UK and from traveling to support any team. During the sentencing, defense counsel indicated that alcohol played a role in Stanex's actions, that the offense was out of character for Dragsness, and that Graham's involvement was not pre-planned.
Following the sentencing, Fraser Gibson of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service commented, "Football-related violence is a blight on Scotland’s communities. It will not be tolerated. The victim in this case was subjected to mindless sectarian thuggery by the three accused, who were visitors to the city."