Frank Cairney trial postponed

A man who allegedly indecently assaulted a teenager at Celtic Park and another at the club’s former training ground had his trial postponed until later this year.

87 year-old Francis Cairney is said to have committed the crimes against the two boys between July 1978 and December 1988.

Cairney, of Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, was due to go on trial at Glasgow Sheriff Court next week.

But, the matter was administratively adjourned with a new trial date set for November.

Previous hearings were told that the trial date was “not realistic” as the defence are awaiting reports on Cairney’s health.

It was being determined if Cairney - who suffers from dementia - was fit to stand trial.

Court papers claim one boy, when aged between 15 and 16, was assaulted within a car in Paisley, Renfrewshire and in the dressing rooms at Celtic's Barrowfield training ground between July 1 1978 and June 30 1979.

It goes on to state that that the boy was repeatedly touched on the thigh by Cairney.

Cairney is further charged with repeatedly punching and slapping the same boy to his head and body at Barrowfield.

It is also alleged that Cairney assaulted the second boy when he was aged between 15 and 18 within the Barrowfield dressing rooms as well as Celtic Park between February 1,1986 and December 31, 1988.

It is claimed Cairney repeatedly hugged him, repeatedly placed his hands underneath his clothing and repeatedly touched his back, stomach, thigh, groin, buttocks and penis.

Cairney is also charged with indecently assaulting a third teenage boy at a hotel room in Aviemore and in a car in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire on various occasions between August 1 1988 and June 30 1989.

Cairney remains on bail meantime.

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