Former Wick councillor too ill to stand trial

Not known when accused will be fit

A FORMER Wick community councillor, accused of indecent behaviour involving juveniles, remains too ill to stand trial and it’s uncertain when he will be fit.
Apart from an initial appearance in the dock at Wick Sheriff Court earlier this year, William John Loughlin has been unwell and unable to return to court. His solicitor, Fiona MacDonald, has in the ensuing months been keeping Sheriff Andrew Berry informed of the situation.
She confirmed yesterday that Loughlin, 58, was again not able to appear and told the court that the oncologist dealing with his case had informed her that the accused would not be available for his trial later this month.
Senior fiscal depute David Barclay said that he had seen the relevant medical documents and went on: “There is a legitimate medical background in this case and we have no way of telling when the accused will be fit to attend court. It would be pointless to call witnesses if there is no guarantee that the trial will proceed.”
Both prosecution and defence agreed that the date set for the trial, November 27, should instead be used to hear a further progress report on Loughlin’s health.
The accused, currently living at a guest house in Union Street, Inverness, denies three historic charges of indecency. These are alleged to have taken place at a house in Wick, between August 15, 2005 and December 21, 2012.