A former Angus provost has been banned by a sheriff from visiting his wife alone after denying a charge of slapping her in a care home.
Retired teacher Brian Milne appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court on Tuesday to face a charge of assaulting Irene Milne, 80, who has dementia, at the Balhousie Antiquary Care Home, Westway, Arbroath, on December 19 by slapping her on the head.
Milne, 79, pleaded not guilty to the charge and trial was set for January 26.
Milne, of Kirkton Place, Arbroath was granted bail by Sheriff Gregor Murray, with a special condition he does not enter the care home where the alleged assault took place, unless under the supervision of a member of staff.
Solicitor Nick Whelan told the court Mrs Milne, who has spent 15 months at the care home, suffers from dementia which has become increasingly aggressive in recent months.
He said the manager had “no concerns whatsoever” over the accused being allowed back to the care home.
Mr Milne was ousted from the then Hayshead and Lunan seat in 2003 by independent Bob Spink.
