Sikh priest is accused of sex attack on girl

Surinder Singh is alleged to have touched the girl and tried to kiss her at the Guru Nanak Sikh Temple in Glasgow on Saturday.

The 52-year-old - who is visiting Scotland from India - appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court yesterday and denied the charge.

He is accused of touching the girl on the hands, attempting to kiss her on the mouth, kissing her face and placing food in her mouth at the Otago Street temple.

Singh was remanded in custody after a motion for bail from his lawyer James Mulgrew was opposed by the Crown.

Prosecutor Clare Arias said: "The accused is in this country on an Indian passport and is a priest in the temple.

"He has now been dismissed following this alleged incident and he has stated to members of the congregation that he intends to leave the country."

Mr Mulgrew told the court that Singh was willing to hand his passport into a police station if he was granted bail, but Sheriff John Baird refused the motion.

Sheriff Baird said Singh would be remanded in custody as there was a "substantial risk of him absconding and failing to appear".

The married priest will appear again next month for trial.