Jambo judge shock for Hibs star O’Connor in car fraud trial

SCOTLAND star Garry O’Connor looked stunned when he appeared in court to face fraud charges – and the sheriff admitted he was a staunch Hearts fan.

The Hibs forward had been ordered to appear in person at Haddington Sheriff Court yesterday, to answer alleged insurance fraud allegations over a crash involving his £100,000 Ferrari.

O’Connor, 28, who looked nervous as he sat in the dock, and only spoke to confirm his name, was successful in his motion to have the case postponed.

But the striker, who has also played for Lokomotiv Moscow, Birmingham and Barnsley, looked shocked when Sheriff Colin McCrory admitted he was a Hearts shareholder and also held a season ticket at Tynecastle.

Sheriff McCrory said: “For the record, I should declare that I’m a season ticket holder at Tynecastle. Is there any objection to me dealing with this matter?

“I just thought it appropriate that I should disclose this. I also have some Hearts shares, which I think are probably worth less than Rangers shares at the minute.”

The sheriff agreed to change the trial date from March 29 to May 24.