‘Sorry fan had moment of madness’

THE man accused of attacking Celtic manager Neil Lennon at a game against Hearts told a police officer it was a “moment of madness” after he was handcuffed.

Pc Karl Cleghorn, 52, told Edinburgh Sheriff Court how he handcuffed John Wilson, 26, and took him off the pitch.

Principal fiscal depute Melanie Ward asked Pc Cleghorn if he cautioned Wilson and if he made any reply.

He said: “Yes, he said ‘I’m sorry, it’s a moment of madness’. He seemed to be quite alert and not under the influence.”

The court also heard from Sergeant Brendan Innes, 41, who interviewed Wilson in the early hours of May 12 – the day after the alleged incident.

During the interview, Wilson told how he was taking strong painkillers for a football injury to his ribs and had consumed half a bottle of Buckfast and two pints before the game.

The court has also heard from Peter Croy, 61, operations director of stewarding company G4S, who said he heard Wilson call Mr Lennon a “Fenian b******”.

Wilson denies all the allegations against him.

The trial continues.