Accused on stalking charge has solicitor imposed on her

Woman, 50, had intended to represent herself but Crown says the complicated nature of the charge does not allow it

An Angus court has appointed a solicitor in the stalking trial of a Fife woman accused of harassing Scotland’s heraldry chief.

Shuque Xie, from Kirkcaldy, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court accused of refusing to leave Glamis Castle after demanding an audience with Dr Joseph Morrow, the current Lord Lyon King of Arms.

Xie denies repeatedly sending emails to the Scottish Episcopal Church’s press office, the Scottish Parliament and various universities between July 15 2015 and December 1 2016, refusing to leave Glamis Castle until she was given Mr Morrow’s location, then turning up at his place of work.

The 50-year-old, of Mitchell Street, intended to represent herself in a forthcoming trial but was told that the nature of the charge did not allow this.

Sheriff Jillian Martin-Brown said: “You previously indicated you wish to plead not guilty in this case … trial is due to take place on June 21. Are you prepared for the defence?”

Xie answered: “I’d like further time to prepare.”

Depute fiscal Bill Kermode said: “There are 10 Crown witnesses and they have all been cited.

“The difficulty is that there is a vulnerable witness and this is a stalking case.

“I invite your ladyship in terms of the (Criminal Procedure Scotland Act 1995) to appoint a solicitor.”

The sheriff said: “Looking at the nature of the allegations I will appoint a solicitor on your behalf.”

Xie said: “I disagree. I am in the best position to defend myself.”

Xie’s trial, which was set for June 21, was postponed for defence preparation.

Mr Morrow is a former Labour councillor in Dundee and in 2009 he was appointed as Vice Lord Lieutenant of the City of Dundee.

He is an incumbent of the Chapel of Glamis Castle, a former chancellor of the Diocese of Brechin and an honorary canon of St Paul’s Cathedral, Dundee.

The Court of the Lord Lyon is the official heraldry office for Scotland which deals with all matters relating to Scottish Heraldry and Coats of Arms.

Looking at the nature of the allegations I will appoint a solicitor on your behalf. SHERIFF JILLIAN MARTIN-BROWN

Shuque Xie is accused of harassing Dr Joseph Morrow, above.