Kenny Richey in court on assault charges

KENNY Richey has appeared in court charged with two attacks on a man.

The 44 year-old was today in the dock for a preliminary hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.

Richey is firstly accused of acting with another to assault and rob Robert McCall at a flat in Edinburgh's Watson Crescent on July 11 this year.

Richey is then charged with assaulting Mr McCall to the danger of his life at the same flat six days later.

It is claimed that with his face masked, he entered the home, demanded money and then repeatedly struck Mr McCall on the head and body with a baton or similar instrument causing the 63 year-old to fall.

Richey is then alleged to have repeatedly kicked him, pursued him onto a stairwell, struck him on the head causing him to fall down stairs before again hitting him on the head and body.

He is also accused with attempting to defeat the ends of justice by asking a woman at a flat in Dundee Terrace, Edinburgh, to wash bloodstained clothes after the alleged attack.

Richey faces a fourth charge of committing a breach of the peace at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on August 26 this year.

It is alleged he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and threatening court officials leaving them in a state of fear and alarm.

Richey's counsel Ronnie Renucci entered no pleas and said defence enquiries were on-going.

Paul Kearney, prosecuting, said the Crown were set for trial, but would not oppose a further hearing.

Judge Lord Hodge adjourned the case for a further preliminary hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh on January 6 next year.