Man charged with Tattoo theft is identified in court

A MAN accused of stealing a massive metal stand intended for the Edinburgh Tattoo was one of three people who paid cash for a truck used in the theft, a court has heard.

Colin Jackson, 39, was identified by Manchester garage boss Carl Haslam at Livingston Sheriff Court yesterday as being present when an alleged colleague of Jackson’s bought a green tractor unit from him in May 2011.

Mr Haslam, 42, picked out Jackson, of Barrmill, Ayrshire, from photographs of suspects and at an identity parade. He also positively identified Jackson in court as being there when the sale was made. Mr Haslam said a man who introduced himself as Paul Muir test-drove the rig before handing over £5200.

Detective Constable Craig Waddell, 43, told the jury that police had failed to trace a Paul Muir.

Sheriff Douglas Kinloch rejected a defence motion that there was no case to answer. Jackson denies the charge. The trial continues.