Further delay expected in Altnabreac couple’s court case
The trial of a couple alleged to have repeatedly stood on a railway track in the path of oncoming trains looks likely to be delayed for a second time.
Ian Appleby (48) and 49-year-old Elizabeth Howe, who live at the former Station House at Altnabreac, were originally due to stand trial on Wednesday this week. But, as expected, priority was given to another trial and the accused’s case was postponed until July 10.
However, Sheriff Gary Aitken was told by defence solicitor Fiona MacDonald that additional instructions were being sought from an advocate who is out of the country at present but was expected to return soon.
The sheriff confirmed the trial date of July 10 but only as “a notional diet”. This means that if the defence was still not fully prepared, a new date would again require to be fixed.
The fact that that the accused are not expected to be present in court on that date strengthens the possibility of a further delay in the case.
Appleby and Howe are adhering to their pleas of not guilty to the charges. These accuse them of having on March 1, last year, culpably and recklessly, and with “utter disregard for the consequences” crossed barriers onto the level crossing at Altnabreac station, and onto the rail track while trains were approaching, to the danger of themselves and passengers and staff.

The pair are further alleged to have acted in an aggressive manner towards, and sworn at police officers and struggled with them.
The pair’s bail was continued, with a condition which bans them from the level crossing when trains are due and from any railway track.
The prosecution was originally brought on indictment but was subsequently reduced to the less serious summary level, meaning the trial will be heard by a sheriff without a jury.