Former Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor pleads not guilty to cocaine charge

FOOTBALL ace Garry O’Connor has pleaded not guilty to possession of cocaine after the Edinburgh derby last month.

• Ex-Hibernian striker Garry O’Connor pleads not guilty to drug possession charge

• O’Connor accused of possessing cocaine after Edinburgh derby in December

The former Hibs star, 29, entered his plea after appearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday before Sheriff William Holligan.

Prosecutors allege that O’Connor, of East Lothian, was arrested after police suspected him of committing illegal acts on 2 December last year.

The ex-Birmingham City player had spent the day watching his former side Hibs win against Hearts in the Edinburgh derby.

Prosecution lawyers claim O’Connor was carrying a quantity of cocaine when detained.

The Crown also claim O’Connor provided them with a false address.

Defence solicitor advocate Simon Collins told the court that O’Connor, who most recently played for Russian side Tom Tomsk, was pleading not guilty to the allegations.

O’Connor just stood a few feet away in the dock wearing a green tartan plaid shirt and a pair of jeans.

The trial has been set for 3 July.