Judge takes lenient view of boxer's courtroom no-show

Published on Tuesday 6 February 2007 00:08

FORMER world boxing champion Scott Harrison escaped having a warrant issued for his arrest yesterday, despite failing to turn up for his court hearing.

Harrison, 29, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, was due to attend an intermediate hearing over an alleged incident at a pub last year.

He is accused of offences including breach of the peace and assaulting a police officer.

Two other men also face charges in connection with the incident at the Counting House in Glasgow city centre on 22 April.

But when their case was called yesterday at Glasgow Sheriff Court, Harrison had not turned up or given his lawyer any indication of his whereabouts. His co-accused, Paul Hinde, 29, and Christopher Lennon, 21, both of Rutherglen, were present.

After telling the court he had no explanation for Harrison's absence, the boxer's lawyer, Massimo Franchi, argued for the case to be adjourned.

The solicitor also said he was looking for more time to examine CCTV footage.

A lawyer for the Crown said a warrant should be issued for Harrison's arrest. But Sheriff Alan Mackenzie agreed to Mr Franchi's request, saying he would give the boxer one further chance.

The sheriff adjourned the next hearing until May.

Minutes after the case, Harrison turned up at the court with his father, Peter, and manager Barry Hughes.

The sheriff was told, but no change to the outcome of the hearing was made.