A MAN accused of branding a council employee a "black c**t" was found not guilty after a short trial.

Last Wednesday, Ian Douglas denied acting in a threatening manner by allegedly shouting, swearing and uttering racially offensive remarks in Alloa's Maple Court on May 11, 2016.

Crown witness William Allan, 62, told the town's Sheriff Court that he was carrying out work on behalf of Clackmannanshire Council with his colleague Thomas Harry, 36, when the accused approached and asked to speak to him.

Mr Allan, who is part of the council's tenancy and estate management team, explained that Douglas blamed him for being "blacklisted".

When Mr Harry, who was said to be standing a few metres away, began to approach the men, Mr Allan claimed that the accused stated: "Tell that black c**t to f**k off, I don't want to talk to him."

Mr Allan told fiscal depute Adrian Fraser that 51-year-old Douglas was "upset and angry" during the alleged altercation.

Defending, Mr Robertson accused Mr Allan of being vindictive towards his client because of their history. The witness admitted he'd had dealings with Douglas before, but denied there was animosity between the pair.

Crown witness Mr Harry then took to the stand.

The Clacks council operations officer confirmed that he was working alongside Mr Allan that morning in Maple Court when they were approached by the accused.

Mr Harry believed that Douglas wanted to speak to the two men, but was allegedly told: "What the f**k do you want? F**k off."

Mr Harry added: "Naturally, I was taken aback by that."

Mr Harry claimed that he moved to the stairwell because he felt "uncomfortable".

From there he witnessed a heated discussion between Mr Allan and Douglas, to which he heard the word "black" being used. However, Mr Harry - who is a black man - failed to hear in what context it was spoken and could not corroborate Mr Allan's abuse claim and instead agreed with the defence agent that the accused could easily have said "blacklisted" instead.

Mr Harry confirmed that he and Mr Allan reported the alleged incident to the council, who then passed it on to the police.

Douglas then took to the stand to argue his defence. He branded Maple Court "horrific" and the "most anti-social" place he's ever lived.

The accused claimed that he'd had dealings with Mr Allan in the past and the Crown witness was being spiteful with his statement.

Douglas denied calling Mr Harry a "black c**t", adding: "I've never used those sorts of words in my life."

The accused stated that the conversation was about being "blacklisted".

He admitted telling Mr Harry to "go away", but denied swearing and claimed that he has never been abusive to council employees.

Sheriff David Mackie deliberated for several minutes before ruling.

The sheriff believed that he'd heard evidence of offensive language and behaviour towards the two council workers, but due to the witnesses' slightly conflicting testimonies he could not be satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Douglas was guilty of racial abuse.

The accused was thereafter found not guilty and was free to leave the dock.