Trial abandoned at Stirling Sheriff Court after juror speaks to witness

The trial of Alexander McKinlay, 28, over the alleged abduction of his ex-girlfriend was brought to a premature end and a fresh trial was ordered by Sheriff Wylie Robertson.

Witness John Marr was reportedly approached by an unidentified juror in a Stirling pub last Thursday during an overnight adjournment.

Mr Marr had not finished giving evidence and defence agent Virgil Crawford argued the jury had therefore been “compromised”.

When the fresh trial began yesterday, prosecutor Sarah Lumsden said she would accept the pleas he offered at the start of the original trial.

Mr McKinlay pleaded guilty to stealing the woman’s mobile phone, car keys and car, and driving it while unfit through drink.

The prosecution accepted his pleas of not guilty to abduction and possession of a Stanley knife.

Sheriff Robertson deferred sentencing on the remaining charges until Wednesday 6 April.