Charges follow incidents at separate demonstrations
A 26-year-old man from Merseyside has appeared in court accused of racially aggravated behaviour during two anti-immigration demonstrations held in Glasgow. Ryan Ferguson, of Bootle, is said to have travelled around 200 miles to attend gatherings in the Cranhill and Castlemilk areas, where he allegedly engaged in conduct intended to stir up racial hatred. He has pled not guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court, and the case has been continued to a further hearing next month.
The allegations relate to separate protests: one on or around Lamlash Crescent in Cranhill, followed by another on Tormusk Road in Castlemilk the next day. Prosecutors allege that at the Cranhill event, Mr Ferguson posted a video on social media containing racist remarks with the intention of inciting racial hatred. It is further alleged that at the Castlemilk protest, he shouted racist abuse at an individual.
Police highlight impact of misinformation
In the aftermath of the Castlemilk gathering, police indicated that an innocent man had been wrongly targeted due to misinformation circulating online. While the precise content of the posts has not been detailed in court, the reference underscores the challenges officers face when unverified material spreads rapidly on social media during moments of heightened community tension.
Mr Ferguson, who is not from the local area, denies both charges. The sheriff court has scheduled a further procedural hearing next month. No trial date has been set at this stage. As the case proceeds, the presumption of innocence applies and no evidence has yet been led.
Locations and alleged conduct
According to the charges before the court, the incidents are said to have taken place at the following places and times:
| Approximate timing | Location | Allegation |
|---|---|---|
| Last week | Lamlash Crescent, Cranhill | Posting a video on social media containing racist remarks with intent to stir up racial hatred |
| Following day | Tormusk Road, Castlemilk | Acting in a racially aggravated manner by shouting racist abuse at an individual |
Community context and public reassurance
The protests in Cranhill and Castlemilk drew city-wide attention, with residents and local businesses reporting disruption in areas around the demonstration routes. Allegations linked to racial hatred are treated seriously by the courts and are subject to specific statutory provisions in Scotland. In this instance, police have also stressed the role that inaccurate online claims can play in escalating tensions, with officers noting that a person in Castlemilk was mistakenly targeted as rumours spread.
While the court process runs its course, community leaders and residents in both neighbourhoods are likely to look for reassurance about public order at any future gatherings. The presence of protesters, counter-protesters and onlookers, combined with rapid online commentary, has in recent years heightened the need for clear and verified information during live incidents.
What happens next
With Mr Ferguson entering not guilty pleas, the case will return to Glasgow Sheriff Court next month for a further hearing. At that stage, the court may set out next procedural steps. Anyone with relevant information from either demonstration who has not yet spoken with officers can contact the police through routine non-emergency channels.
- A 26-year-old from Bootle faces two charges linked to protests in Cranhill and Castlemilk.
- The accused has pled not guilty; a further hearing is set for next month.
- Police say an innocent man was targeted amid online misinformation after the Castlemilk event.
InfoRadar will continue to follow developments on this case and report on any updates from court or Police Scotland. Residents who witnessed events at Lamlash Crescent or Tormusk Road and have not already provided statements may consider doing so to assist the investigation.
