AN Alloa man accused of drugging and raping a child has seen his trial postponed after he was admitted to hospital.

Evidence began against Alexander Keenan at the High Court in Edinburgh on Friday, October 4, but proceedings were eventually deserted on a temporary basis last Wednesday.

The 40-year-old stands accused of the rape and assault of a female, indecent assault, rape and assault of a child under 13 as well as possession of a class C drug and attempting to pervert the course of justice.

It is alleged that the assaults took place at an address on Aaron Court, Alloa, in May of last year.

On the first day of the trial, a jury of 12 men and three women watched two pre-recorded interviews with the 12-year-old who was accusing Keenan of rape.

A second child then gave live evidence via video link before an adjournment until last Monday.

Keenan, who showed no sign of injury on the Friday, then appeared unsteady and in pain on day two of the trial.

Krista Johnson, defending the accused, informed Lord Uist that her client had “extreme wear and tear” of his lumbar spine and was in “significant discomfort”.

Following a short break, the judge then adjourned until the following day to allow Keenan, who was on bail, to attend at a doctor’s surgery in Sauchie to seek stronger medication.

On Wednesday, however, Ms Johnson informed the court that Keenan had been admitted to Forth Valley Royal Hospital overnight for an emergency MRI scan.

Despite the absence of a soul and conscious letter to prove his inability to sit through a trial, Lord Uist deserted the trial, citing his deep concern that any witness who were to give evidence would have to do so again at a later date should the trial be abandoned further down the line.

The advocate depute, prosecuting, conceded that desertion was the only option, but did stress that the defence must produce the relevant medical paperwork on the next occasion.

He said: “I’m not doubting that we know where he is, which is the hospital, but at this point that’s all we actually know.”

Lord Uist deserted the trial temporarily and set a date of November 6 for a fresh preliminary hearing to be given an update with a view to setting a new trial date.

He ordered Keenan to be at that hearing, which will take place at the High Court in Glasgow.