Hibs star is charged over 'Elvis' attack claim

HIBS star Garry O’Connor has been charged after allegedly beating up an Elvis impersonator.

Singer Rab Ainslie, 35, had to be taken to the new ERI with a suspected fractured skull after the alleged attack in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The former soldier told police he had been kicked and punched during the alleged assault outside the Wemyss Hotel in Port Seton, East Lothian.

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Mr Ainslie was later given the all-clear after X-rays showed his injuries were not as severe as first feared.

The entertainer said today that the incident had forced him to cancel plans to launch his Elvis tribute act for tourists in Cyprus.

He said: "My dreams are ruined. I was due to fly out to Cyprus to begin a new career and now I can’t go. All our possessions are in boxes in preparation for a new start but that dream has been killed. I am shattered."

The former Royal Scot said he first met the 6ft striker and another man in a bowling club in Port Seton before they moved on to the Wemyss Hotel.

Mr Ainslie, who knew O’Connor’s mother, said they talked about Hibs’ pre-season training and prospects for next season.

Mr Ainslie claimed he was assaulted after an argument broke out.

A police spokesman said: "Following a report of an alleged assault in Port Seton, a 21-year-old man has been charged and a report will be submitted to the fiscal. He was released pending a summons to attend court in the future."

A Hibs spokesman said: "We are aware of this incident and the player’s version of events is at variance with that given elsewhere. We will not be making any further comment beyond that."

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O’Connor signed for Hibs as a 16-year-old striker from Edinburgh’s Salvesen Boys Club in May 1999, and after impressing in the reserves made his first team debut against Dundee two years later.

Described as a "sensational" young striker, O’Connor burst on to the scene with a glut of goals.