Sheriff slams Hibs star Garry O’Connor for missing court date

HIBS Footballer Gary O’Connor has been criticised by a Sheriff after he missed a court date to prepare for tonight’s crunch game against Aberdeen.

The 28-year old footballer was due to appear at an Intermediate Diet hearing in Edinburgh Sheriff Court today.

His solicitor, Gerry Britton, told Sheriff Kenneth Maciver that O’Connor was maintaining his not guilty plea to charges of resisting arrest and possession of cocaine.

It is alleged the offences took place in Hope Street Lane in the city on May 14 last year. The trial is due to take place later this month.

Mr Britton said counsel had now been instructed and there were ongoing discussions between the defence and Procurator Fiscal’s office.

Questioning O’Connor’s absence, Sheriff Maciver commented: “These are significant charges. They are not trivial matters” and that the player should have been present.

Fiscal Depute, Bruce Macrosson, told him that the defence had contacted the Fiscal’s office and made them aware of the situation and they had agreed they would not issue a warrant for his non-appearance.

Mr Macrosson said that due to the ongoing discussions there should be another Intermediate Diet hearing before the trial date.

Sheriff Maciver agreed to this, but ordered that O’Connor appear at that hearing personally.