BlackRock Lawyer Avoids Jail After Homophobic Rant and Attack on Train

In a concerning incident last December, a 35-year-old lawyer for investment firm BlackRock, Rebecca Lindsay, avoided jail after a drunken, homophobic outburst and assault on a train.

On December 13, 2024, following a work Christmas party, Lindsay boarded the Edinburgh to Glasgow Queen Street service and began hurling insults at fellow passengers. She first became aggressive towards a man named Jamie Redmane who had helped her up after she fell on the train. Lindsay then turned her attention to another woman, shouting homophobic slurs at her.

When another passenger tried to intervene and calm Lindsay down, she lashed out, kicking him twice. Lindsay continued her tirade for the rest of the journey, making more offensive comments to other travelers.

Appearing in Glasgow Sheriff Court, Lindsay pled guilty to behaving in a threatening or abusive manner aggravated by prejudice related to sexual orientation, as well as assault. Her lawyer stated that she had been drinking while on medication and had "no recollection" of her actions, adding that she was "utterly ashamed" by her conduct.

Ultimately, Lindsay was fined £640 and the sheriff presiding over the case told her she was unlikely to be seen in court again, given her lack of prior convictions.