Motherwell FC CEO cleared in court of contempt charge after no show

The 37-year-old was in the dock at Hamilton Sheriff Court today.

It followed his failure to attend last week.

A warrant for his arrest had been issued, but he was allowed to attend voluntarily in the end.

He was due to give evidence against Sean Baillie, 30, of Glasgow, who denies culpably and recklessly throwing a hot drink on to the pitch at Fir Park.

The incident allegedly happened as Rangers players celebrated a goal during their 2-0 Scottish Premiership win over Motherwell last December.

The trial was adjourned until November due to Burrows failing to appear.

His lawyer, Kevin McCarron, said today that “a misunderstanding and complete breakdown in communication “ was to blame for the situation.

He said two witness citations had been posted but Burrows had not received them.

Mr McCarron told the court a representative of the procurator fiscal’s office had called his client a few days before the trial to check his availability.

The solicitor added: “Mr Burrows said he had previously arranged business that would be difficult to get out of.

“He was told that information would be passed on and took from that his attendance at court for the trial would not be required.

“He was not reluctant or unwilling to come to court to give evidence as he has co-operated with police from the outset.

“He apologises and regrets very much that there might have been inconvenience caused by this. That was never his intention.”

Victoria Ferguson, prosecuting, said the explanation put forward was not disputed.

Sheriff Colin Dunipace said he would make no finding of contempt of court but warned Burrows: “You must appreciate your attendance at court is extremely important, notwithstanding your business commitments.”

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