Tain stabbing trial collapses

THE trial of a man accused of stabbing his friend in the face has collapsed due to "legal technicalities".

The jury had heard a day-and-a-half of evidence at Michael Cope's trial when it came to a halt at Tain Sheriff Court on Tuesday afternoon (June 21).

The case was deserted, but the Crown reserved the right to bring fresh proceedings against the 36-year-old who was remanded in custody.

Cope, described as a prisoner in Inverness, had denied stabbing Brian O'Donnell in Kilmuir Place, Invergordon on March 6 this year by striking him in the face with a knife to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and to the danger of his life.

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