Key Points
- Keir Mackie, 20, from Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire, sexually assaulted a drunk 15-year-old girl in Glasgow city centre on May 17, 2025, during Celtic’s league title celebrations.
- The incident occurred amid thousands of fans gathered for an unofficial street party following Celtic’s Premiership title win.
- Mackie, wearing Celtic gear, approached the girl who was slumped on a bench after drinking.
- He cuddled, kissed her, placed his head on her chest, groped her, exposed her, and winked at another man while assaulting her.
- Witnesses, including two women, intervened; the girl said she did not know Mackie.
- Mackie apologised, left towards Queen Street station, and took a train home.
- The girl was hospitalised; Mackie was traced via CCTV and arrested at home.
- At Glasgow Sheriff Court, first offender Mackie pleaded guilty to sexual assault.
- Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence for background reports, placed Mackie on the sex offenders register, and granted bail.
Glasgow (Glasgow Express) May 11, 2026.
What Happened During the Celtic Title Party Assault?
Thousands of Celtic supporters had converged on Glasgow city centre that afternoon to mark the team’s Scottish Premiership title victory, creating an atmosphere of jubilation with unofficial street gatherings in surrounding areas.
As detailed in court proceedings at Glasgow Sheriff Court, the 15-year-old victim had been at the event and was found slumped over on a bench, having consumed alcohol earlier. Fiscal depute Danielle McGuinness outlined the sequence of events to the court.
Keir Mackie, 20, from Bishopbriggs in East Dunbartonshire and dressed in Celtic football gear, sat next to the girl and began speaking with her. Ms McGuinness stated:
“Mackie began cuddling and kissing the girl.”
The girl went backwards on the bench before sitting up again, at which point Mackie put his arm around her neck and kissed her. She then attempted to stand but staggered, nearly falling into passing members of the public.
Ms McGuinness continued:
“The girl tried to sit up however fell backwards again before Mackie placed his head on her chest and kissed her as she lay on the bench.”
Mackie then pulled the girl up, and they walked towards Queen Street, with her stumbling and him holding her up. Another man was present with Mackie during this time.
How Did Witnesses Describe the Assault Near Queen Street?
The pair stopped at a shop entrance, where Mackie held the girl’s arms, placed his hands close to her body, and kissed her. Two women passing by observed the scene.
As reported by Keir Mudie, Crime Editor of the Daily Record, the women saw Mackie kissing and groping the girl while the other man watched.
They noted that Mackie had exposed the girl while kissing her and touched her in an inappropriate area of her body.
Ms McGuinness added in court:
“One of the women saw Mackie turn to the other man and winked at him while doing this. They also noted the girl was falling over trying to get away from Mackie.”
Other witnesses approached the girl and asked if she knew Mackie. She replied that she did not. Mackie then said “sorry” before walking off towards Queen Street station, where he boarded a train home to Bishopbriggs, East Dunbartonshire.
The girl required hospital treatment following the incident. Authorities traced Mackie via CCTV footage, leading to his arrest at his home address.
What Was the Court Outcome for Keir Mackie?
Mackie, a first offender, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court and pleaded guilty to sexually assaulting the 15-year-old girl. The charge relates to his actions on May 17, 2025, in Glasgow city centre.
Sheriff Andrew McIntyre deferred sentence pending background reports until next month. In the interim, Mackie was placed on the sex offenders register and granted bail.
No further details on the background reports or the exact date of the sentencing hearing were provided in the court proceedings covered by the Daily Record.
Background of the Development
Celtic Football Club secured the Scottish Premiership title on May 17, 2025, prompting widespread celebrations across Glasgow, particularly in the city centre areas around areas like George Square and nearby streets.
These gatherings, often spontaneous following major football victories, draw thousands of fans known as Hoops supporters. Unofficial street parties have historically accompanied such triumphs, with police managing crowds to ensure public safety.
The incident occurred against this backdrop, with CCTV surveillance in the area aiding the swift identification and arrest of Mackie. Glasgow Sheriff Court handles a range of such cases, and the use of the sex offenders register is standard for sexual assault convictions in Scotland under the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
Prediction: Impact on Celtic Fans and Local Community
This development can affect Celtic fans by prompting increased scrutiny on fan behaviour during title celebrations, potentially leading to tighter police presence and stewarding at future events to prevent similar incidents. For the local community in Glasgow city centre, it may heighten awareness of vulnerabilities during large public gatherings, encouraging witnesses to report suspicious activities promptly and supporting enhanced CCTV monitoring. Young people attending such events could face indirect effects through parental or guardian advisories on alcohol consumption and personal safety in crowded areas.
