Woman placed on sex offenders register after attacking Monica Lennon

A woman who licked the neck of Labour MSP Monica Lennon has been given a Community Payback Order and ordered to attend counselling.

Elspeth Wood, 57, of Hamilton, approached Lennon in May last year when the MSP was out canvassing for the general election. She made a sexual comment before hugging and licking the MSP’s neck.

Wood pled guilty to an offence under Section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 at Hamilton Sheriff Court in February.

Today she was given a Community Payback Order with three years’ supervision. A Non-Harassment Order, banning Wood from contacting or attempting to contact her victim was also granted for a three-year period. Wood was placed on the sex offenders register for the same period.

Les Brown, procurator fiscal for South Strathclyde, said: “Elspeth Wood has been held accountable for her unacceptable and disturbing behaviour following this prosecution. 

“Elected representatives and officials should not have to suffer any kind of abusive behaviour during election business or while supporting and engaging with constituents.”