Former professional footballer denies threat to kill wife
Last updated 4th Oct 2021
A former professional footballer is due to stand trial accused of threatening to kill his wife.
Lee Makel, who played for both Hearts and Livingston, is charged with engaging in a course of behaviour which was abusive towards her over the course of a year.
The offence is alleged to have taken place at an address in the Borders, as well as in Edinburgh and Portobello, between May the 30th, 2019 and May the 15th last year.
The charge alleges he was abusive towards Claire Makel by repeatedly shouting and swearing at her; sending her abusive messages - including a threat to kill her; throwing household items belonging to her about; following her to a place in Edinburgh; and directing abusive messages towards another man, named as Gareth Blair.
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The 48-year-old - who gave an address in Lauder - maintained his not guilty plea when the case called at Selkirk Sheriff Court this afternoon (Monday) and a trial date was set for January the 18th, with a preliminary hearing on December the 13th.
Sheriff Robert Fife excused Makel's attendance from the preliminary hearing due to working in England. According to his Linkedin page, he is currently an academy coach at English championship side Sheffield United.