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Canadian-born Ross County Football Club player Harry Paton (23) has trial over allegations of abusing and assaulting former partner deferred


By Ali Morrison

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Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood.
Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood.

Ross County midfielder Harry Paton who was due to stand trial today accused of abusing and assaulting his ex-partner had the case deferred again because of the late lodgement of defence productions.

Paton, of Holm Farm Road, Inverness was represented by Jim Keegan QC, who had a file of documents. But fiscal depute Sharon Ralph had not viewed them prior to Paton taking the dock at Inverness Sheriff Court.

She told Sheriff Gordon Fleetwood that she would need time to see “the plethora of productions” and asked for an adjournment.

The Sheriff agreed and when all parties returned, it was decided to set a notional trial date for June 22.

Mr Keegan said: “This case will extend beyond one day. Setting June 22 for a notional diet gives the Crown a chance to look at the documents lodged today. It also allows the police to obtain further statements from the complainer, then we can fix new trial diets.”

Paton – who appeared under his full name of Harrison Theodore Paton – denies three charges relating to his alleged treatment of the woman.

The 23-year-old is accused of engaging in a course of behaviour that was abusive.

It is claimed he insisted the woman exercise daily “according to his instructions” and also dictated what clothes to wear.

He also allegedly monitored her spending and would throw household items around while arguing with her.

The charges further alleges that Paton manipulated the woman by repeatedly ending then recommencing his relationship and, on various occasions, insisted she leave their shared Inverness home.

Paton also allegedly shouted and swore at the woman, acted in an aggressive manner towards her and uttered derogatory remarks towards her.

The Canadian-born footballer is also accused of assaulting his ex-partner to her injury by pinning her against a wall and pushing her out of bed, as well as behaving in a threatening or abusive manner by repeatedly driving a car towards her.

All of the allegations relate to a period between February 2019 and May, 2021.

Paton joined County in 2018 from Hearts following a loan spell at Stenhousemuir.

He also had stints with the Fulham youth team and played at an international level for Canada’s under-20 and under-17 teams.


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