Hamilton sheriff is witness at sectarian abuse trial
A sheriff is set to give evidence against a Rangers fan accused of sectarian abuse on a train to an SPL clash in Dundee, a court has heard.
Jamie Rhodie is facing trial over allegations he committed a religiously aggravated breach of the peace on the train in September last year.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Sheriff Harry Small is key prosecution witness.
The trial was postponed while an advocate could be appointed for the defence.
The case was set to go to trial on Tuesday but Sheriff Elizabeth Munro allowed it to be postponed until November.
It is alleged that, while acting with unknown others, Mr Rhodie conducted himself in a disorderly manner, repeatedly jumped up and down, shouted, swore, sang sectarian songs and uttered sectarian comments.
It is understood he was travelling for Rangers' SPL encounter with Dundee United at Tannadice when the alleged incident took place.
Mike Short, defending, told the court: "My motion is to adjourn the case. One of the witnesses is a sheriff, based in Hamilton.
"This is a matter that first called in March but has not proceeded as yet. We are awaiting sanction to instruct an advocate to appear for the defence in this case."
Mr Rhodie, 18, from Gartcosh, denies that on 10 September last year he committed a religiously aggravated breach of the peace on the Glasgow to Dundee train.