Aberdeen councillor Alan Donnelly to stand trial in August

An Aberdeen councillor is to stand trial next month accused of touching and kissing a man against his will.

Alan Donnelly, 65, appeared in the dock at Aberdeen Sheriff Court yesterday for a pre-trial hearing.

Aberdeen’s former deputy provost is charged with sexually assaulting a man.

It is alleged he touched the man’s face, hair and body on various occasions and kissed him on the face.

The incident is alleged to have happened on November 3 last year at a function in the Holburn Street area of Aberdeen.

Donnelly, a councillor for Torry and Ferryhill, denies the charge.

Yesterday he appeared in the dock wearing a black suit, shirt and tie.

Donnelly’s solicitor told the court she had a list of defence witnesses but one would not be available for the trial date as they were on holiday.

She added: “We expect the trial will likely be part heard.”

Fiscal depute Rebecca Clark said: “The Crown have cited five civilian witnesses and one police officer.

“The Crown is content with the motion to part-hear after the crown case has closed.”

Sheriff Ian Wallace continued the case to trial.

Donnelly, of Deemount Gardens in Aberdeen, will return to court next month.