Midlothian Council leader Milligan charge dropped
An assault charge against the leader of Midlothian Council has been dropped due to a lack of evidence.
Derek Milligan, 52, had been accused of punching Alan Scott, 40, in the Bonnyrigg Rose Football Club during the early hours of Monday 25 July.
Mr Milligan, a Labour councillor, had denied the charge.
The procurator fiscal sent a letter to Mr Milligan's solicitor saying the case was now closed.
Mr Milligan told the BBC Scotland news website: "I have had sleepless nights over it, it's been absolutely stressful and thoroughly humiliating."
He said that he worked hard as a councillor and did not abuse the system.
He added: "I am very thankful for the support from my colleagues and for the club believing in me."
A Crown Office spokeswoman said: "The procurator fiscal at Edinburgh received a report concerning a 52-year-old male in relation to an alleged incident in Bonnyrigg on 24 or 25 July 2011.
"After full and careful consideration of all of the available evidence, the procurator fiscal decided there was insufficient evidence to proceed.
"The case is now closed."