The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
‘I am innocent...’
Alex Salmond denies 14 charges which include attempted rape and assault
Former Scottish first minister Alex Salmond appeared in court yesterday charged with attempted rape and sexual assault.
Salmond, 64, from Strichen, Aberdeenshire, faced a total of 14 charges when he appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.
He was charged with two counts of attempted rape, nine counts of sexual assault, two of indecent assault and one breach of the peace.
After a brief private hearing, at which he made no plea and was granted bail, he said: “The only thing I can say is I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court.”
Salmond was Scotland’s first minister from 2007 to 2014 after twice guiding the SNP to election victory .
He stepped down after losing the 2014 independence referendum and resigned his membership of the party in August 2018.
Alex Salmond faced criminal charges including attempted rape when he appeared in court yesterday.
The former first minister was before an Edinburgh sheriff on 14 charges, mostly relating to the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
He is accused of two counts of attempted rape, nine of sexual assault, two of indecent assault and one breach of the peace.
Speaking outside court yesterday afternoon, the former Gordon MP told the media: “Let me say at the outset, I am innocent of any criminality whatsoever.”
He added: “The only thing I can say is I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court.
“I’ve got great faith in the court system in Scotland.”
Salmond, of Strichen, Aberdeenshire, was arrested on Wednesday night having earlier attended a police station in central Scotland.
The 64-year-old appeared on petition at the private hearing before Sheriff Nick Crowne shortly after 2pm and did not enter a plea or declaration.
He was released on bail with the case continued for further examination.
A date has not been set for his next court appearance.
Mr Salmond was flanked by his lawyer Callum Anderson and media adviser Campbell Gunn as he arrived in court.
Scores of journalists, members of the public and some of Salmond’s supporters gathered outside the court building on Chambers Street.
His arrest triggered the case as active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981, which seeks to ensure fair trials by barring media and individuals from publishing anything that creates a “substantial risk of serious prejudice”.
A Police Scotland spokeswoman said before the hearing: “We can confirm that a 64-year-old man has been arrested and charged and a report will be sent to the procurator fiscal. Proceedings are now live under the Contempt of Court Act.”
Mr Salmond was Scotland’s first minister from 2007 to 2014, leading the country to the brink of independence.
His unprecedented majority victory in 2011 gave the SNP government the mandate to hold a referendum on Scotland’s membership of the UK.
He stepped down as leader of country and party when Yes lost by 55% to 45% in 2014.
Salmond cancelled his SNP membership in August 2018, but vowed to return to the party fold.
“I’ve got great faith in the court system in Scotland