Student facing trial for assault on United boss

A student teacher is to stand trial accused of assaulting Dundee United chairman Stephen Thompson in the stands at the end of a tense Dundee derby.

Christopher Brash is alleged to have attacked Mr Thompson in a corridor below the director’s box at Dundee FC’S Dens Park stadium following a Betfred Cup match on August 9, which the home side won 2-1.

He is said to have repeatedly pushed the United chairman on the body, causing him to fall to the floor.

Brash, 24, of Auchinblae Place, Dundee, yesterday denied a charge of assault on summary complaint at Dundee Sheriff Court.

Solicitor advocate Jim Laverty, defending, said: “He pleads not guilty to the complaint before the court.

“I advise that this case will potentially be a lengthy trial.

“There are up to five or six defence witnesses and there may well be video evidence to be tendered in this matter.

“It potentially could be an all-day case.

“The accused is presently a student at Dundee University and this case is preventing him undertaking a placement as a primary school teacher due to the fact this matter is outstanding.”

Sheriff Ian Anderson set a trial date next March and ordered Brash to appear at a pre-trial hearing in February.