A TEACHER has been awarded £40,000 after she was the subject of defamatory remarks on Twitter in what is thought to be the first case of its kind in Scotland.
Jaye Richards Hill sued David Shuttleton after he alleged she was a danger to children.
Ms Hill, a leading campaigner for marriage rights for gay couples, staged a mock wedding to her partner Ruth last year during a demonstration at the Scottish Parliament.
Shuttleton attacked her reputation by sending her hate-filled tweets and has since posted many other abusive messages.
The Court of Session in Edinburgh told him to hand over £40,000, plus costs, after ruling he was guilty.
Antique dealer Shuttleton, of Barrhead, near Glasgow, also tweeted First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon about Ms Hill, an adviser to Education Secretary Mike Russell.
One source close to the teacher said: "He tweeted Jaye and hashtagged the words child abuse and danger to children. He also tweeted Nicola Sturgeon and Alex Salmond.
"That could affect her in the future if someone Googles her for a job, or if another government advisory post comes up."
Shuttleton remained defiant after the verdict. He said he was unaware of the ruling, insisted it was "just a technicality", and vowed to get it overturned.
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