Glasgow Times

Actor fears for career as sex trial continues

- BY CONNOR GORDON

ACTOR Kevin Guthrie told a jury that he fears for his career after being accused of sexually assaulting an actress.

Guthrie denied attacking the 29-year-old as he gave evidence at his trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court.

The 33-year-old instead insisted he had “helped” the woman who appeared unwell at the flat of Still Game star Scott Reid.

Guthrie is accused of sexual assault at the property in Kelvindale in the city’s West End on September 30 or October 1, 2017.

Jurors heard how the woman had been due to meet Guthrie and Reid at a bar on the night of the alleged attack. She knew both from drama school.

But Reid received a call from a taxi driver to collect her as she appeared ill.

He and Guthrie went on to help the woman into the flat and put her on a bed.

The trial heard how Reid called NHS 24 leaving Guthrie in the room “to make sure she was OK”.

The woman alleges it was there she was attacked by Guthrie.

Guthrie refuted the accusation­s agreeing with his QC Gordon Jackson that it had instead been a “panic situation” due to the woman’s condition. He told the trial there was a time he was alone with her.

The actor said: “She looked to be hanging over the bed to be sick into a bag or basin.

“She was in bed in such a way I was concerned she would fall.

“I went to reassure her and helped her back into bed so she was safe and comfortabl­e.

“As I heard sounds of retching, I didn’t want her vomiting, so I put her in the recovery position.”

Jackson asked about consequenc­es of sexual assault allegation­s on his career.

He said: “My own impression is it can be fatal.”

The QC then suggested if Guthrie’s career could die and he said: “Yes.”

Jackson said: “She said you did it, are you clear you did not?”

Guthrie replied: “I categorica­lly did not do this.

“I did not carry out the assaults.”

Jurors were told by a forensic scientist that Guthrie’s DNA was found on the inside of the woman’s underwear.

Prosecutor Harry Findlay asked Guthrie to explain why this was.

He said: “I can’t for the life of me explain in any rational sense how that happened.

The trial continues before Sheriff Tom Hughes. alleged

I can’t for the life of me explain it...

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