Man cleared thanks to work sign-in sheet

NICOLA FINDLAY

A man accused of the hit and run of a policeman was working at the Coca-Cola factory in East Kilbride at the time he was said to have committed the offence.

Hue McBean, 23, walked free from Glasgow Sheriff Court after being acquitted of assaulting PC Andrew McIntyre to the danger of his life last October, attempting to pervert the course of justice and dangerous driving.

PC McIntyre told the court officers attended in relation to a stolen car report in Cambuslang. He went onto tell the court how he confronted the driver, but was knocked over and dragged back by the car which sped off.

The police officer escaped with minor scrapes and bruises and the Audi was later found in flames near East Kilbride’s Markethill area.

In evidence PC McIntyre said the driver had been Mr McBean, from Motherwell, but he was wearing sunglasses and his hood was up.

But Mr McBean claimed he was working for his father’s grounds maintenance company at the Coca-Cola factory in College Milton.

This was backed up by health and safety manager for Coca Cola, Drew Russell, 56, told jurors Mr McBean was at work that day and a document produced in court showed he was signed-in at the time of the offence.

The court also heard Mr Russell categorically denied the document had been fabricated to“get Mr McBean off” as“a favour”.

He also said the factory is surrounded by a“seven foot barbed wire fence”and doors are manned 24 hours a day.

The trial was halted and prosecutor Mark Allan withdrew all the charges against Mr McBean.