Bunker director cleared of sex attacks

The managing director of Scotland’s Secret Bunker tourist attraction was yesterday acquitted of sexual assault, after telling police his accuser had been “attacked by a ghost”.

James Mitchell, of Lower Largo, denied assaulting a young woman and a 15-year-old girl, in sleeping accommodation at the underground bunker in Fife.

Yesterday a jury at Dundee Sheriff Court found Mitchell guilty on one charge but found the second charge not proven. A lack of mutual corroboration between the charges, necessary for a conviction, meant that the sheriff acquitted him of all charges.

The court heard that one of the alleged victims said a man fitting Mitchell’s description has entered her bedroom around 4am and touched her leg under the covers. A second girl, aged 15 at the time, said Mitchell had tried to kiss her and touch her. Sergeant Kevin Petrie, who interviewed Mitchell, said Mitchell denied the attacks and said: “It was supposed to be a ghost because my daughter has seen ghosts in the place,” Mitchell told Mr Petrie.

Sheriff Alastair Carmichael recorded a not guilty verdict and told him he was free to leave.