Scott Harrison arrested as he arrives in Malaga

Published on Thursday 23 April 2009 22:08

TROUBLED boxer Scott Harrison flew to Spain hoping to clear his name in court yesterday and was immediately arrested.

The former world featherweight champion was detained by police as he stepped off an aeroplane at Malaga airport.

He is set to appear in Malaga over an alleged double assault and faces up to three years in jail if convicted of attacking a police officer and another man.

The fighter was taken away by police acting on an international arrest warrant before having an opportunity to collect his baggage.

His father Peter, who travelled with him, said: "We had heard about this warrant being issued but never expected that it would be acted upon. We can't quite believe this has happened.

"Scott was met by police and taken away as soon as we touched down. They want to have a look at paperwork and documents and all of this needs checked before Scott is released. The whole thing seems to be a bit of a misunderstanding."

Harrison was dealt a blow last April after a judge's illness forced his court case to be postponed minutes before it was due to start. Seven witnesses, including four serving officers, are set to give evidence against him.

He is accused of attacking an officer after being arrested for allegedly trying to steal a car and assaulting its owner in October 2006. The policeman has already told the court he needed an eye operation.