Footballer’s assault trial is adjourned

Footballer David Goodwillie’s assault trial has been adjourned until later in the year following a difficulty with witnesses.

The Blackburn Rovers striker was due to go on trial yesterday accused of assaulting a man in a city centre street.

The 22-year-old Scotland international denies punching John Friel on the head and body in Glasgow’s Queen Street on 3 November 2010.

He submitted a not guilty plea to the charge by letter at a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court in August.

His trial was due to start at the same court yesterday.

However, his defence agent Paul McBride QC said there had been difficulty obtaining statements from the complainer and a witness, a process known as precognition. It is expected that this will be resolved by today. The trial was adjourned until 2 April.

Goodwillie, from Stirling, moved from Dundee United to Blackburn last summer for a fee of more than £2 million.