Warrant out for teen over Knox statue

A SHERIFF has issued a warrant for the arrest of a teenager accused of snapping the index finger off a statue of John Knox.

Declan McBlain, 18, is said to have damaged the statue of the Haddington-born clergyman in Stirling.

Stonemasons estimated that replacing the finger could cost more than £5000.

McBlain was due to stand trial at Stirling Sheriff Court yesterday, but failed to turn up.

At an earlier hearing, McBlain, of Broad Street, Stirling, had denied vandalising the statue, which is by Alexander Handyside Ritchie, one of Scotland’s most famous 19th-century sculptors.

The incident is said to have occurred on July 20 last year.

Knox clashed frequently with Mary, Queen of Scots, admonishing her for supporting Catholic practices. He is buried under a car park next to the Captial’s St Giles’ Cathedral.