Man appeared in court in connection with Sun journalist assault

Published 24th Dec 2015

A MAN has appeared in court charged with attacking an award winning crime journalist on his doorstep.

William Burns, 54, allegedly assaulted Scottish Sun reporter Russell Findlay at his home in Jordanhill, Glasgow on December 23.

Papers from Glasgow Sheriff Court claim he did "pretend to him that he had a postal delivery for him, induce him to open his front door, throw sulfuric acid or similar substance over his face".

It is also alleged Burns threw a glass jar, struggled with Mr Findlay and spat in his face - all to his severe injury

Burns, from Paisley made no plea or declaration yesterday (Thurs) when he appeared in private at the court.

He was represented by defence lawyer Terry Gallanagh and remanded in custody by sheriff Alan MacKenzie.

He will appear again next week for a full committal hearing.

It was reported after the incident Mr Findlay, 42, frantically washed his face, eyes and hands with water before being rushed in an ambulance to hospital.

He was treated by doctors at the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital before being taken by ambulance to Glasgow Royal Infirmary's advanced plastic surgery unit and was released later in the day.

Mr Findlay has written about crooks including Paul Ferris, Jamie Stevenson and Kevin "Gerbil" Carroll.

His book, Caught in the Crossfire, told of the conflict between the notorious Daniel and Lyons families.

Scottish Sun Editor Gordon Smart said: "Russell is a brilliant and fearless reporter, and our only concern now is for his well-being."

He has worked in newspapers for over 20 years and has covered Scotland's crime scene extensively. Last year he won Scoop of the Year.