Three people have gone on trial accused of assaulting an Aberdeen FC footballer and attempting to rob him at knifepoint.
Kyle Cameron, 28, Lana McAllister, known as Smart, 30, and Shaun Stewart, sometimes known as Paton, 33, all face a charge of assault to injury over the alleged incident involving Dons youth player David Dangana.
They are alleged to have repeatedly struck the window of a vehicle Mr Dangana was in, causing it to smash and repeatedly punching him on the head.
It is further alleged the trio brandished a knife and metal pole and threatened the 19-year-old with violence, all to his injury, and attempted to rob him of drugs, a mobile phone and money.
The alleged incident happened on Fairlie Street, Aberdeen, on August 9 2018.
Stewart faces further charges of possession of a knife and metal pole and of refusing to provide evidential DNA, fingerprints or photograph to police when required.
Cameron, Smart, whose address was given in court papers as Danestone Circle, Aberdeen, and Stewart, represented by Mike Monro, Frances Connor and Ian Houston respectively, all pled not guilty to the charges against them.
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Stewart lodged a special defence of incrimination of another male in relation to the assault and possession of offensive weapon charges.
Mr Dangana was on the bench for the first team’s 1-0 Premiership win over Kilmarnock at Rugby Park at the weekend.
He also started for the reserves on April 15 against St Johnstone at the Balmoral Stadium. The game was in the SPFL Reserve League.
Yesterday the trial at Aberdeen Sheriff Court officially got under way before Sheriff Graeme Napier and a jury of four men and 11 women.
Sheriff Napier told the jurors: “It’s notoriously difficult to predict but I understand this case may last four days.”
Depute fiscal Sally McAuley was expected to read a joint minute to jurors this morning before the first witness is called.
The trial continues.