A COURT case against an Alva man accused of stalking a police complaints chief has been postponed after the defence announced their intention to cite the lord advocate and the presiding sheriff to give evidence.

The 58-year-old appeared at Alloa Sheriff Court on Monday (13 July) charged with persistently contacting a senior director with the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC).

His trial had been scheduled for Wednesday, 22 July, but was adjourned after he confirmed his intention to cite the Lord Advocate Frank Mulholland — Scotland’s chief prosecutor — to give evidence on his behalf.

Defence agent Kelly Howe also told Sheriff David Mackie, who had been presiding at Monday’s hearing, that he is also being considered as a potential defence witness.

The Advertiser understands that the accused had been attempting to uncover what he perceived was corruption within Police Scotland and became frustrated with a lack of action from the PIRC.

It is alleged that between 20 May and 22 July of this year, he did engage in a course of conduct which caused, or was likely to cause, the complainer to suffer fear and alarm in that he did repeatedly send him emails which were of a threatening, abusive or offensive nature.

He maintained his plea of not guilty when he appeared before Sheriff Mackie on Monday and a new trial date has been set down for 14 October this year.

Neither the Crown Office nor the PIRC said they would comment on ongoing criminal cases or discuss any potential witnesses.

However, it is understood that any attempt to cite any witness who has no knowledge of the case will be opposed by the Crown and that the courts have the power to cancel such citations.