Commonwealth Games athlete sex attack trial postponed

The trial of a Commonwealth Games weightlifter accused of sexually assaulting a man in a supermarket has been adjourned until next week following difficulties finding an interpreter.

The alleged assault took place at a Tesco near the Athletes Village. Picture: Jane Barlow

Papua New Guinea athlete Toua Udia, 22, denies carrying out the alleged assault at a Tesco store in Dalmarnock Road, Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire, on Monday July 21 and was due to stand trial today.

But Glasgow Sheriff Court heard that efforts to find an interpreter for the accused have so far proved “completely fruitless” throughout the UK.

His defence lawyer argued that, in the circumstances, it was not appropriate for the case to continue, but the prosecution asked for the trial to be delayed.

Sheriff Norman Ritchie QC adjourned the trial until Monday morning.