Fringe performer faces court on charge of assault at pub venue

Published on Wednesday 18 August 2010 15:08

A SCOTTISH comedian has been charged with serious assault after an alleged headbutting incident at a late-night show.

David Whitney appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday after tackling a heckler at the Canons' Gait pub on the Royal Mile.

The Aberdeen-born comic is alleged to have confronted a member of the audience at the bar in the basement venue just after coming off stage. He was apprehended by audience members before police were called to the venue by staff shortly after midnight. Whitney, 31, was later arrested and charged.

The Canons' Gait is hosting shows throughout the day as part of Peter Buckley Hill's Free Fringe.

A spokeswoman for Lothian and Borders police said: 'I can confirm that a 31-year-old man was arrested and charged with serious assault following an incident that happened within the Canons' Gait pub in the early hours of Wednesday."

Audiences are not charged for entry to any shows in the dozens taking part in the Free Fringe, but are urged to leave donations in a bucket at the door.