Murder bid suspect snared by police

Police caught up with a man accused of attempted murder – four days after he failed to turn up for a High Court trial.

William Allan, 37, now faces being jailed for up to five years for failing to appear at the High Court in Livingston on three consecutive days this week.

Judge Lord Bannatyne issued a warrant for Allan’s arrest on Monday after both the accused and his alleged victim Kevin Brown didn’t show up.

The Crown deserted the case and more than 200 jurors cited for the trial had to be sent home.

Allan was arrested on Thursday and later appeared on petition at Livingston Sheriff Court. He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody.

The Crown will now serve him with a fresh indictment for the alleged murder bid.

Allan, of High Street, Dysart, had denied attempting to murder Mr Brown at 46 High Street, Dysart, on July 13.

He was charged with repeatedly punching and kicking Mr Brown, dragging him from the property, throwing him to the ground and repeatedly stamping on his head to his severe injury, permanent disfigurement and danger of life.

He also pled not guilty to attempting to defeat the ends of justice by trying to intimidate witnesses.