Man accused of gala day murder bid

A MAN has appeared in court charged with attempted murder, following an incident at a village gala day.

David Wakely, 26, from East Calder, West Lothian, was also accused of assault to injury and assault to severe injury.

The charges followed an incident at East Calder and Wilkieston Children's Gala Day at the weekend.

The event was marked by the coronation of a gala queen for the first time in almost 80 years. Elizabeth Hurren, 94, who was East Calder's queen in 1930, crowned local schoolgirl Sarah Kinghorn.

Eddy Goodfellow, the secretary of the gala day committee, said he was shocked to hear about the charge.

"It's really very surprising to hear about something like this, as this is a very peaceful community event, and we've never had any trouble," he said.

"I spoke to the police after the event and they didn't report any trouble. There are shows which set up after the gala day, and I know there has been trouble there in the past.

"I would hate for all the work of the fundraisers, organisers and volunteers to be ruined."

Wakely appeared on petition in private at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday and made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.