WICK SHERIFF COURT: 'Not guilty' plea in delayed £40k fraud case

The protracted case of a Wick woman accused of a £40,000 fraud on a pensioner appears to be approaching the starting line.

However, Fiona Taylor has yet to clear a final hurdle in order to stand trial in the new year.

Following reports on her health by psychologists and psychiatric specialists, Taylor will take part in an overview assessment to determine her fitness or otherwise to enter the dock.

Taylor's case has been delayed by her initial reluctance to appear in court late last year to answer the indictment as well as difficulties over her legal representation.

The charge alleges that the 63-year-old pretended to a pensioner that she needed money to help her granddaughter with her rent arrears and for the purchase and running of the Wick Airport Cafe.

The man was to be given ownership of the business for his £33,000 investment. Taylor, of Glamis Road, Wick, is further accused of inducing him to pay her a further £7000 for a car that she would use to drive him about.

Sheriff Ian Miller, who was on the bench previously, observed that the case had first been adjourned without a plea being tendered and, given the time lapse, a plea should be forthcoming.

At that point Sylvia Maclennan submitted a plea of not guilty. The solicitor was parachuted in to represent Taylor who didn't have legal representation.

On Wednesday, Miss Maclennan reported that all the reports and medical records had been completed and the final assessment would take place on November 14. She told Sheriff Miller that she would anticipate the findings to be available by early December. If favourable, a trial could take place on January 24.