UK NEWS

BOXER HARRISON IN NEW SPANISH TRIAL DELAY AFTER JUDGE FALLS ILL

Scott Harrison

Friday April 4,2008

By Alan Carson

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Troubled boxer Scott Harrison was dealt another blow yesterday after a judge’s illness forced his Spanish court case to be postponed.

The ex-world featherweight champion was set to appear in Malaga over an alleged double assault. But the trial was cancelled – just 30 minutes before it was due to start.

Harrison said: “No one told us anything until we got here. I am just desperate to get my career back on track and this is just another setback.

“Unfortunately I can’t do anything if the judge takes ill and can’t make it along. That can’t be helped.

No one told us anything until we got here. I am just desperate to get my career back on track and this is just another setback

Scott Harrison

“I have been over here three or four times now hoping this would be dealt with so I can move on, get my licence back and box again.” Harrison faces jail over allegations of two assaults, including one on a police officer.

Seven witnesses including four serving officers are set to give evidence. He is accused of attacking an officer after being arrested for allegedly trying to steal a car and assaulting its owner during a boozy night out in October 2006. Harrison, 30, of Cambuslang, near Glasgow, could be sentenced to 11 years if convicted.

Yesterday’s hearing will now be re-called in September.

Harrison, accompanied by his father, Peter, went into a court restaurant for a coffee before leaving with a lawyer and translator.

There was no sign of his uncle and co-accused Jack McGill. An arrest warrant was issued for McGill after he failed to show up for an earlier trial date.

The boxer faces another trial, along with two relatives, after an alleged brawl in a brothel near his former Costa del Sol home.

The vice den’s owner claimed he was hit with glasses and bottles.

Harrison has battled depression and has visited rehab in a bid to cure his alcohol addiction. It recently emerged he is officially broke, despite having earned £1.5million in a nine-year ring career.

He sold his Spanish villa for a bargain price in a bid to free up cash.