An SNP “supporter” called then-Scottish Government justice secretary Humza Yousaf a “racist piece of s***” in an abusive email.
John Conquer, 65, from Kilmarnock sent the message to a constituency office in Glasgow’s Cardonald on April 11 2020.
Conquer dispatched the email after viewing Canadian outlet Rebel News commenting on Broughty Ferry-based Mr Yousaf’s speech to the Scottish Parliament about a hate crime bill.
The email said: “Watched the latest Rebel News video on YouTube, you are the main subject.
“Only because you are a piece of racist scum.
“We don’t need people like you in Scotland stirring up racism in Scotland you racist piece of s***.
“I will share the Rebel News video to everyone to show what a horrible b****** you really are.
“Signed, John, Glasgow.”
The video “Ezra Levante Rebel News Agency” – which has been viewed 190,000 times – was the email’s heading.
The matter was reported and Conquer was traced by police and arrested.
‘SNP supporter’
Conquer told officers: “I’ve got a funny feeling this might have something to do with my political beliefs.
“It’s the only thing I can think of because I don’t do anything.”
Conquer pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner towards the former justice secretary.
The charge was deemed “racially aggravated”.
Graham Cunningham, defending, told the court that Conquer is an “SNP supporter” who has health problems.
Sentence was deferred pending background reports until next month by Sheriff Kevin McCarron.
Conquer had his bail continued meantime.
Health secretary Mr Yousaf has previously spoken about the barrage of racist abuse he suffers.
On Friday he told The Courier: “I’m grateful to Police Scotland and the Crown and Procurator Fiscal Service for their efforts.
“Regardless of our political beliefs, or indeed of any differences we may share, all of us can agree that racism has no place in Scotland, and that we must take a zero tolerance approach to it.
“I have lost count of how many messages containing death threats, racism and Islamaphobia I have received over the years, and while disheartening I am always grateful that those who speak out against such hatred always outnumber the bigoted minority.”
