Dog in the dock

Will pensioner have his Jack Russell by his side for trial?

A WICK sheriff will decide today whether a pensioner will be able to have his faithful dog beside him in the dock during his trial
Sheriff Andrew Berry said yesterday he would allow Konstanty Bembnista to be accompanied by his Jack Russell.
However the sheriff reserved the right to review his decision proves "impractical".
Konstanty Bembnista from Thrumster, pleads not guilty on indictment to historic charges of assaulting Marie Islam in Lybster and stalking her and threatening her in Edinburgh.
The canine question cropped up when arrangements were being finalised at Wick Sheriff Court, yesterday for the jury trial expected to last three weeks.
Sheriff Andrew Berry, felt that having the Jack Russell with him would help "fulfill a function" for 68-year-old Bembnista.
However, the sheriff took on board concerns that the dog would be in close proximity to two women who will be keying the proceedings verbatim which will be monitored on the screen, by the accused who is profoundly deaf.