Assault charges against former Dundee United player Ralph Milne put on ice

Charges alleging former Dundee United footballer Ralph Milne assaulted a woman have been put on ice due to her ill health.

The 52-year-old’s case was deserted pro loco et tempore at Arbroath Sheriff Court meaning it can be revisited by the Crown. The court heard the complainer is unwell and would not be fit to attend court.

Sheriff Peter Paterson said temporarily deserting the case was the correct decision under the circumstances.

Milne, of Arbroath Road, Dundee, who also played for Manchester United, had been expected to stand trial and was represented by defence agent Keith Mackinnon.

He previously denied grabbing the woman by the head, seizing her by the neck, forcing her head towards a cooker and frying pan of hot fat.

He further denied repeatedly punching the woman on the head to her injury during an alleged attack at a house in Ravensby Road, Carnoustie, on June 9.

Milne was part of Dundee United’s league winning side in 1983 and was inducted into the club’s Hall of Fame in 2009.