Donald Trump resort boss 'spat at by protester'

THE acrimony surrounding Donald Trump's new golf resort has increased after one of his key employees was allegedly spat at in the street.

Police are investigating a claim from Sarah Malone – head of the new resort – that a protester spat at her as she withdrew money from a cash machine in Balmedie, Aberdeenshire.

Miss Malone was said to have been left shaken following the incident earlier this month, which occurred 30 minutes before protesters began a peaceful march to celebrate Trump's promise that he would not force them off their land.

The billionaire is building a 750 million resort, including two championship golf courses, a 450-room hotel, 950 holiday apartments and 500 residential homes, on his Menie Estate.

But the plans have infuriated four nearby residents who feared Trump would apply for compulsory purchase orders through the council to remove them from their homes.

The developer recently said he had no interest in using such measures, but a protest group, Tripping Up Trump, (TUT) has continued its campaign.

Police confirmed yesterday they were investigating an incident involving the executive vice president of Trump International Scotland.

A Grampian Police spokesman said: "We were called out to an incident on 5 June concerning a minor assault. Inquiries are ongoing."

George Sorial, managing director of the Trump Organisation, said: "An attack against Sarah Malone is a direct assault against each one of us at the Trump Organisation. We are taking this personally and there will be severe consequences for those responsible and for anyone else who harms our personnel. It's regrettable that TUT and the very small band of parasites who support them would resort to such deplorable behaviour and they will be held accountable.

"We are creating jobs, spending millions of pounds in the area and building what will be an international tourist destination while these 'protesters' contribute nothing and continue to be a global embarrassment for Aberdeen city and shire."

However, a spokesman from TUT denied suggestions that protesters from the group had been involved. He insisted the woman involved was no longer a member of the group and had not been for some time.

Miss Malone did not want to comment on the matter yesterday.

Meanwhile, the director of a film about the Trump plan has again demanded an apology from Grampian Police after he was detained on allegations of breaking the peace.

Anthony Baxter, who made You've Been Trumped, about the controversy behind the golf proposal, was one of two people taken into custody following an incident on the estate on 3 July last year.

A police statement said that "as the allegations were corroborated by independent witnesses", two men were detained by officers and given formal warnings, although no further action was taken against either.

Mr Baxter said yesterday the claim that the allegations were corroborated by independent witnesses is "wholly incorrect".

A Grampian Police spokeswoman said the force will be in touch with Mr Baxter but would not comment further.