Top anti-terror policeman set for police assault trial
The operations chief of Police Scotland's counter-terrorism unit is to stand trial accused of assaulting three people, including a fellow policeman.
Det Ch Insp Hugh Bleakley faces five charges, including three of assault, one of resisting police and one of threatening and abusive behaviour.
The offences are alleged to have taken place at Bonnybridge Social Club on the night of 21 February.
The 51-year-old, of East Kilbride, denies all the charges against him.
Mr Bleakley, who is head of operations for the counter-terror unit, is alleged to have assaulted James Craig by punching him on the head, and assaulted Thomas Tolmie by striking him on the head with his elbow.
He is further accused of behaving in a threatening and abusive manner at the club and "en route to and from Falkirk Police Office", struggling with police officers and uttering threats of violence.
The senior policeman, who appeared for a preliminary hearing at Falkirk Sheriff Court, is also charged with assaulting an on-duty police officer by punching him on the head and body.
Sheriff Christopher Shead set trial for 14 August, and granted bail.