A HOMOPHOBIC bigot who pelted marchers with eggs during an Orange walk through Dumbarton has walked free from court.

Dominic Sharpe hurled the eggs at the marchers near East End Park this summer – before directing homophobic and sectarian insults at officers who tried to get him under control.

The 25-year-old, who still lives with his parents, appeared at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on Friday for sentencing after admitting charges of behaving in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and throwing eggs at people taking part in the march, and of committing a religiously-aggravated breach of the peace.

Sharpe, of High Mains Avenue, also admitted a charge of resisting police attempts to arrest him.

But he was spared a prison sentence by Sheriff Simon Pender, who imposed a community-based punishment instead.

Fiscal depute Kara Watt told the hearing: “It was around 6pm, and the accused was standing near to the entrance of Dumbarton East railway station.

“He began to throw eggs at an Orange parade as they marched past.

“Police got out of their car and apprehended Sharpe who, by this time, was standing at East End Park with an empty egg carton in his hands.

“He was shouting at the marchers and acting in an aggressive manner.

“He walked away and was told to stop, but he didn’t.

“He began to shout and swear and resisted continually, pulling his hands away. He was told to stop swearing but replied ‘I can f*****g say what I like, f*** you - it’s not a f*****g crime to swear’.

“He continued to shout and swear, and tried to get up,” Ms Watt continued, “and shouted at police officers ‘you’re a couple of faggots and Orange b******s’.”

Defence lawyer Lauren Kerr told the court Sharpe was currently working on Arran, but would soon be back in Dumbarton living at his parents’ home.

Ms Kerr said: “Alcohol was a factor in the offence, which is neither justified or an excuse.

“He should not have gone there in the first place, and he accepts full responsibility. Police had enough on their plate that day.

“These are views he doesn’t hold on a regular basis. Only when he is under the influence of drink does he use these words.”

Sharpe was put on a community payback order which will see him under social work supervision for 18 months of supervision and ordered to attend for alcohol treatment.

He was also ordered to carry out 230 hours of unpaid work within 10 months and told to attend alcohol counselling whenever required.

“This is a direct alternative to custody,” added the sheriff.

Sharpe was also fined £300 for resisting arrest, to be paid at £30 per week.