Annals of Legal Affairs; Not Proven Edition

Anent legal affairs in Auld Reekie, there’s a stushie brewing about the acquittal of the Hearts fan accused of assaulting Celtic manager Neil Lennon in a notorious and passably disgraceful incident at Tynecastle last season. The jury – seven women, eight men – deliberated for nearly three hours before returning a Not Proven verdict on the charge of Assault, Aggravated by Religious Prejudice. On a seperate charge, the jury found John Wilson guilty of a breach of the peace.

Given that the episode took place on national television and Mr Wilson clearly seemed intent upon attacking Mr Lennon the verdict has, predictably, been met with equal parts derision, disbelief and outrage. But, on balance or at least as the case has been reported, the verdict may not be quite as curious as many consider it. (The usual caveat about the shortcomings of court reporting applies. Nevertheless, ’tis all the layman has to go on.