Case against man accused of choking toddler deserted by judge

The case against a man accused of attempting to murder a toddler in Inverness has been deserted.

Radoslaw Malek was accused of choking the three-year-old boy at a house in the city last year.

Prosecutors claimed the 33-year-old pressed the neck of the boy with his hands, restricted his breathing and strangled him.

The youngster is said to have become unconscious as a result of the alleged attack on November 21.

But yesterday, the case was deserted pro loco et tempore at the High Court in Aberdeen, as Malek is unfit to stand trial.

He is currently receiving psychiatric treatment at Carstairs State Hospital.

The move was made by the Crown at a scheduled examination of the facts, but the case could return to court at a later date.

At a hearing earlier this year at the High Court in Glasgow, Judge Lord Burns imposed a temporary compulsion order for Malek to remain at Carstairs.

Yesterday the judge approved the Crown motion and deserted the case in the accused’s absence.