Francis Cairney: Man accused of indecently assaulting teen at Celtic Park 'has dementia'

A man who allegedly indecently assaulted a teenager at Celtic Park and another at the club’s former training ground is suffering from dementia.

Francis Cairney, 86, is said to have committed the crimes against the two boys between July 1978 and December 1988.

Cairney is also charged with indecently assaulting another teenage boy at a hotel room in Aviemore and in a car in Cumbernauld, North Lanarkshire on various occasions between August 1, 1988 and June 30, 1989.

Cairney, of Uddingston, South Lanarkshire, was due to go on trial at the beginning of next week.

He had his attendance excused at Tuesday’s pre-trial hearing.

Cairney continued to plead not guilty to the charges through his lawyer Jim McParland.

Mr McParland, said: “By arrangement with the Crown, he is not present.

“There is a joint motion to continue this pre-trial hearing until next week. By way of background, he is suffering from dementia.

“The scan has been taken but that’s not been given to the NHS consultant. The defence will have access to the scan after the consultant has the report.

“The trial is unlikely to take place on April 4.”

Court papers state one of the boys, when aged between 15 and 16, was assaulted within a car in Paisley, Renfrewshire and in the dressing rooms at Barrowfield between July 1, 1978 and June 30, 1979.

The charge claims that the boy was repeatedly touched on the thigh by Cairney.

Cairney is further charged with repeatedly punching and slapping the same boy to his head and body at Barrowfield.

It is also alleged that Cairney assaulted the other boy, when he was aged between 15 and 18, within the Barrowfield dressing rooms, as well as Celtic Park between February 1, 1986 and December 31, 1988.

It is claimed Cairney repeatedly hugged him, repeatedly placed his hands underneath his clothing and repeatedly touched him inappropriately.

Sheriff Tony Kelly set a new pre-trial heading for next week in which Cairney’s attendance will be excused.

Cairney had his bail continued meantime.