Comedian on assault charge

A FESTIVAL comic has been charged with serious assault after allegedly headbutting a heckler.

David Whitney was arrested and charged following the alleged incident at The Canon's Gait pub on the Royal Mile.

The 31-year-old appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday on a charge of assault to permanent disfigurement. He made no plea or declaration, his case was committed for further examination and he was released on bail.

It is understood police and paramedics were called to the basement venue after Whitney had appeared as part of the Free Fringe festival on Tuesday night.