An man who lied under oath has been warned of “very serious consequences” by a sheriff.
Christopher Stewart, 26, of St Mary Place, Dundee, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court accused of public indecency at a centre for adults with learning disabilities.
However, the case against him crumbled when solicitor Gary McIlravey cross-examined two witnesses and found the allegations were fabricated.
Andrew Murray, 29, from Forfar, was the main witness in Mr Stewart’s trial, in which he said the man exposed himself by repeatedly pulling his trousers and underwear down at Strathmartine Centre, Dundee, on April 1 this year.
Fellow witness Norman Galazzi, 46, of Dundee, admitted the allegation was made up and he was told to play along.
Mr Murray had been attending the centre with both men and they had gone for a smoke break at lunchtime.
He said they all knew each other, adding: “I was at Strathmartine Centre in Dundee (on April 1).
“It’s a hospital for people with learning difficulties. I was there from 9am with Norman.”
At 12.15 an alleged incident happened at the car park near to the bus shelter and smoking area.
“Chris dropped his trousers and showed his backside,” he said.
““We didn’t say anything right away, but said something at 2.30 when we saw (a centre worker). Me and Norman were embarrassed, basically with it being in a public area.
“We all started walking up to go back inside that’s when he exposed his private parts. We felt we had to report it.”
Defending Mr Stewart, Mr McIlravey said to Mr Murray: “You were goading him to flash and Mr Stewart was refusing to do so. When he walked away, you walked behind him and yanked his trousers down.”
“No,” said Mr Murray.
“Why did you leave it to so long to report it?”
Mr Murray said: “He would have asked where I was going with Norman. We had to wait until we felt it was a good time to tell someone without other people listening in.”
Mr McIlravey said: “You were getting a story together to get him into trouble.”
“No,” replied Mr Murray.
Mr Galazzi was questioned by Mr McIlravey and admitted he expected the innocent man “to get a warning” from centre staff.
Mr McIlravey said: “When you reported this, you didn’t expect it to end up in court, did you?”
The witness said: “No. I expected him to get a warning. Mr Murray told me to say it.
“Mr Murray asked him to pull his trousers down.”
Finding Mr Stewart not guilty, Sheriff Gregor Murray said “very serious consequences” await a report from the Crown following discussion with the Strathmartine Centre.