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Former Aberdeen depute provost accused of groping and kissing man in sexual assault

Aberdeen Sheriff Court
Aberdeen Sheriff Court

The city’s former depute provost is to stand trial accused of touching and kissing a man against his will.

Alan Donnelly appeared at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday, accused of sexually assaulting a man at a function in the Holburn Street area of the city on November 3 last year.

It is alleged that the Torry and Ferryhill councillor touched the man’s face, hair and body on various occasions, and kissed him on the face.

The 64-year-old denies the charge and will go on trial next month.

He stood in a white shirt and purple tie with a knee-length navy overcoat, as Sheriff Sukhwinder Gill was told that he was pleading not guilty to the alleged crime.

Donnelly’s solicitor Jennifer Pritchard said: “The police in their statement refer to a DVD of the interview but that has not been disclosed, neither has the transcript.

“It has not yet been seen by Mr Donnelly.”


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Mrs Pritchard asked for the footage to be made available ahead of the trial.

At the hearing it was revealed that a total of seven witnesses are expected to be called to the stand to give evidence.

Fiscal depute Lucy Simpson said the Crown intends to question five civilian witnesses and one police officer, while Miss Pritchard said the defence was also preparing to call one witness.

Donnelly, of Deemount Gardens, Aberdeen, resigned as depute provost in January after he was charged.

He has been suspended from the Conservative party, but remains a member of its coalition with Aberdeen Labour and independent members on Aberdeen City Council.

His case is expected to call once more before his trial date, which has been scheduled for next month.