Contractions lead to trial being halted

A heavily-pregnant woman had her trial postponed yesterday after the court was told she was having contractions in the dock.

Katie McKinnon, 30, and her partner Andrew Gordon, 24, were called in to the dock at Perth Sheriff Court to face trial over an alleged domestic bust-up.

But a solicitor for McKinnon – who was clearly experiencing pain – asked the court to put the trial off to a later date because of her client’s medical condition.

Solicitor Rosemary Scott, defending, said: “My motion is to adjourn the trial today because Miss McKinnon is having contractions.”

Depute fiscal Jim Eodanable told the court that in light of the circumstances, the Crown would present no opposition to the motion to postpone the trial.

Sheriff Fiona Tait said: “On the motion of the first named accused, I will adjourn the trial date for medical reasons.”

McKinnon, of Stirling Road, Milnathort, and Gordon, of Viewfield Place, Perth, are both alleged to have behaved in a threatening or abusive manner at her address on July 10.

They are alleged to have caused fear or alarm by shouting, swearing, acting in an aggressive manner, and uttering abusive remarks and threats of violence.

Both accused deny the charge and the trial will now take place on June 9.

Miss McKinnon’s due date is understood to be in the next fortnight.