…Researched and contributed by Jack Sylva.
Ciaran Dickson, a former Celtic and Rangers youth player, has admitted to stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend.
The 20-year-old is accused of punching his former partner and threatening to share an intimate video of her during a series of events that occurred between May and November last year after their relationship came to an end.
Paisley Sheriff Court heard that he punched the girl because she was wearing his pyjamas while eating crisps on May 22.
Later that month, he confronted her in a pub, grabbed her by the arm, lifted her up by the collar and said, “I’ll take the jaw off you.”
Dickson, who was once tipped for a bright future in football, had moved from Rangers to Celtic in the summer of 2021.
However, he was later released by the Hoops and is currently without a club.
The court heard how he also visited the restaurant where his ex-girlfriend worked and threatened to assault her or damage her car.
Even after she started working in a different pub, he continued to show up.
He called her “a slut” and repeatedly told her that he would be “waiting outside” her home.
On one occasion, he called her and threatened to “show” her “what a real threat is.”
Dickson was arrested at his home the following day, and allegations that he had prevented her from leaving his home so she could go to work and punched her car were dropped.
He was due to go on trial over the claims on Wednesday but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge.
Sheriff Bruce Erroch QC ordered for background reports to be prepared and adjourned sentencing until next month.
Commentary:
Ciaran Dickson’s guilty plea to the charge of stalking and harassing his ex-girlfriend has resulted in a stark fall from grace for the young footballer, who was once tipped for a bright future.
His behaviour towards his former partner was nothing short of abusive, with allegations of physical violence, threats, and stalking.
The fact that he punched his ex-girlfriend simply because she was wearing his pyjamas while eating crisps is particularly alarming.
His actions are a clear violation of his ex-girlfriend’s rights, and the trauma and fear that she experienced as a result of his behaviour cannot be overstated.
The reduction of charges and adjournment of sentencing may provide Dickson with some reprieve, but the damage done to his reputation and career is likely irreversible.
This case is a reminder of the importance of treating others with respect and kindness, especially in the context of intimate relationships, and of the serious consequences that can arise from abusive behaviour.