
Ex-SNP Councillor Cleared of Charges After Bizarre Mince Pie Row with Aunt
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Austin Sheridan, a 32-year-old former SNP Glasgow City councilor, has been released from court after being charged with assaulting his aunt, Margaret Sheridan, 61. The incident occurred at their flat in Glasgow’s Govanhill on August 10, 2024. Court documents reveal that Sheridan allegedly attempted to strike his aunt with a brick, alongside other aggressive behaviors.
Sheridan faced multiple charges, including throwing household items at walls, causing damage to a kitchen window, and exhibiting threatening and abusive conduct. Prosecutor Kirsty McKenzie detailed that Sheridan had arrived home from a rally in Glasgow city center that afternoon and was reportedly in a “bad mood”, reported by the Daily Record.
Margaret Sheridan testified at Glasgow Sheriff Court, describing an argument with her nephew. She recalled, “He wasn’t happy I made him minced round potatoes and peas because he wanted chips.” She explained that she used the last of the ingredients for mash potatoes, leading to a silent meal. “I explained that I used the last of it on mash [potatoes] and he didn’t speak to me,” she said.
Margaret further stated that Sheridan angrily placed his knife and fork down on the plate before leaving the kitchen for a cigarette. Upon his return, she alleged that he sarcastically commented, “That was nice,” before standing and staring at her. According to Margaret, Sheridan then proceeded to “smash it up” in the kitchen while shouting and screaming, “I hate you.”
The altercation escalated when Margaret fled to a neighbor’s property. She claimed that Sheridan later arrived outside her kitchen window, smashed the lock, and climbed in. “He threw a brick at me but it hit the closed door. He then started to smash up the kitchen and he then left the flat and has not come back since,” she stated.
During the court proceedings, Margaret admitted to police that her memory of the events was impaired due to medication. “Maybe I lied. I don’t remember as I was on a high dosage,” she confessed when questioned about the accuracy of her statements.
The fiscal depute, who brought the case, informed Sheriff Collette Gallagher that he was no longer seeking a conviction against Sheridan. In response, Sheriff Gallagher offered words of support: “If there is truth to these matters, I hope you get the support and help you need. I say that to you as a person rather than as a judge.” Sheridan acknowledged the sheriff’s remarks with, “Thank you, I appreciate that,” before leaving the dock.
The case has raised questions about mental health and support for individuals involved in familial disputes. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the decision not to pursue a conviction highlights the complexities surrounding the incident and the testimonies provided by both parties.
Austin Sheridan’s release underscores ongoing discussions about the legal system’s handling of domestic disputes and the importance of accurate testimony, especially when influenced by medication or emotional distress. As the community reacts, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals navigating personal conflicts and the legal ramifications that can follow.
Margaret Sheridan’s account of the events paints a picture of a heated and volatile confrontation, while Sheridan’s defense points to his impaired memory due to medication, complicating the pursuit of justice in this troubling case.