Sheriff unhappy at latest hitch in Lintrathen farm livestock trial

A sheriff has demanded answers over a livestock neglect trial that has spent 18 months in limbo.

George and Alison Pattullo, who traded as G&A Pattullo at Lintrathen near Kirriemuir, are accused of cruelty towards more than 200 animals in 2013.

They deny all charges.

Their trial was due to begin at Forfar next month but the court heard four witnesses are unavailable due to holidays.

Sheriff George Shead said he found the delay “a very poor way to treat the court and public interest”.

Postponing the trial to September 15 with an intermediate diet of August 18, he said: “The Crown will be expected to present on the viability of taking the first-named accused to trial.”