Scottish footballer to stand trial over homophobic threats
A former Hibernian footballer is to stand trial charged with making homophobic threats to staff at a nightclub in Edinburgh.
Derek Riordan appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court today on breach of the peace and assault charges.
Prosecutors allege the 29-year-old became involved in a confrontation at the Picture House on Lothian Road on May 7, 2012.
The charges state Riordan also made “homophobic comments which included comments of a sexually explicit nature” during the incident.
The second charge states on the same date Riordan also allegedly seized employee Michael Moore by the throat.
Earlier this year, Riordan pleaded not guilty to the two charges and Sheriff Elizabeth Jarvie QC granted him bail on the condition he did not enter Edinburgh city centre between 7pm and 7am.
On Friday, defence solicitor Kathleen More told the court Riordan was maintaining his not guilty pleas.
Sheriff Fiona Reith QC granted Riordan bail and adjourned the case until 9 October, when the trial is expected to begin.
