Pensioner Fines for Spitting on Convicted Paedophile

A 65-year-old woman from Prestonpans, Sheila Hamilton, was fined £100 for spitting on convicted paedophile Barry Sammon at a Musselburgh shop in February this year.

The incident occurred at Home Bargains, where Hamilton encountered Sammon and accused him of being a paedophile. She shouted and swore at him, calling him a "dirty bastard" and stating he had "touched a 10-year-old and a 14-year-old."

Hamilton, who has no previous convictions, was dragged away by a family member after spitting on Sammon. She admitted to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner and assaulting Sammon by spitting on him.

In court, Sheriff John Cook acknowledged that the situation "evoked high emotions" but emphasized that Hamilton's actions were unacceptable. He considered her age and lack of criminal record when imposing the fine.

Sammon was convicted of sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl and an adult woman in March 2013 and was placed on the sex offenders register for three years.