Trial collapses at Tain Sheriff Court

A TRIAL of a man accused of stabbing his friend in the face came to a dramatic halt at Tain Sheriff Court today (Tues) as a result of legal technicalities.

Michael Cope (37) had been in the dock charged with attacking Brian O’Donnell (36) with a knife in a house in Invergordon. Jurors had heard a day and a half of evidence.

But as a result of developments this afternoon, the trial collapsed through what the Crown said were "legal technicalities" and the case against Cope was deserted.

However, the Crown reserved the right to bring fresh proceedings against Cope and he was remanded in custody.

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

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