A FORMER Labour MSP will stand trial in November over allegations he caused multiple crashes in central Edinburgh while over the drink-drive limit.
Colin Smyth, 53, is alleged to have driven dangerously on the city’s High Street and elsewhere on November 2 last year, while at more than double the legal alcohol limit.
The case is separate from the allegations of possession of indecent photographs of children and voyeurism – allegedly linked to a camera hidden in Scottish Parliament toilets – for which Smyth appeared in court in Dumfries last October.
In the Edinburgh case, it is alleged that after mounting a pavement, he narrowly missed a pedestrian and collided with a parked car while driving at excessive speed.
It is also alleged he crashed into electric bollards directly outside City Chambers, and that he repeatedly got in and out of the vehicle, and revved the engine.
The former Scottish Labour general secretary and frontbencher is also accused of failing to report the incident to police “as soon as reasonably practicable”.
During a brief hearing at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, Sheriff Iain Nicol fixed a trial date for November 27.
Smyth, who appeared in court dressed in a dark grey suit and red tie, spoke only to confirm his name.
He is ordained to appear in court again on the trial date.
The former Labour MSP was on bail for the child images and voyeurism charges when the alleged incident is said to have happened.
On October 22 last year, Smyth appeared in Dumfries Sheriff Court facing two charges. The first was under a section of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act dealing with voyeurism, which refers to recording someone “doing a private act”.
The second was a charge under part of the Civic Government Scotland Act 1982, which refers to possessing indecent images of children.
No plea was entered and the case was committed for further examination, with the 53-year-old being granted bail.
The South Scotland MSP had previously been arrested on Tuesday, August 5, prompting his suspension from Scottish Labour 10 days later.
A Crown Office spokesperson said in relation to Smyth’s appearance in court last year: “These matters are active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
“The provisions of this Act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime.
“Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused.
“Contempt of court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”
Smyth was first elected as an MSP in 2016 and returned to Holyrood again at the 2021 election.
Scottish Labour withdrew the whip from him in August last year.
