Sex attack allegation against footballer dropped

Police charged Dundee United striker David Goodwillie in light of a complaint made by a 24-year-old woman over an alleged incident in Armadale, West Lothian, on 2 January.

The Crown Office said yesterday "insufficient evidence" meant the case has been closed.

A spokesman said: "The procurator-fiscal at Livingston received a report concerning a 21-year-old male, in connection with an alleged incident on 2 January, 2011.

"After full and careful consideration of all the facts, Crown Counsel has instructed no proceedings on the basis that there is insufficient evidence in law.

"The case is now closed."

Goodwillie, now 22, has not appeared in court in connection with the report to the procurator-fiscal.

He was due to attend a petition hearing at Livingston Sheriff Court in February, but that was postponed as officials from the Crown Office's National Sex Crimes Unit wanted more time to examine the allegations.

Goodwillie still faces a separate court action over an alleged assault on a man in Queen Street, Glasgow.

He is accused of repeatedly punching and kicking John Friel on the head and body on 3 Nov-ember, 2010.

At a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court last week, the case was continued until next month.

The footballer did not appear at the hearing.

No plea was entered on his behalf and Sheriff Ian Miller continued the case for "further investigations".

The footballer made his competitive debut in December 2005 with Dundee United, appearing as a late substitute against Rangers at Ibrox. He has represented Scotland at all international youth levels and received his first call-up for the senior team in November last year.

He has been the subject of transfer interest this summer from both Rangers and Cardiff City. Last season, Goodwillie scored in six consecutive league games and Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson put a 3m-4m price tag on him. He signed a two-year contract at United in March this year.