A FORMER Labour MSP has attended court over allegations he caused multiple crashes in central Edinburgh while over the drink-drive limit.
Colin Smyth, 53, is alleged to have driven dangerously on the city’s High Street and elsewhere on November 2 last year, while at more than double the legal alcohol limit.
It is alleged that after mounting a pavement he narrowly missed a pedestrian and collided with a parked car, while driving at excessive speed.
It is also alleged he crashed into electric bollards directly outside City Chambers, and that he repeatedly got in and out of the vehicle, and revved the engine.
The former MSP is also accused of failing to report the incident to police “as soon as reasonably practicable”.
Smyth arrived at Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday dressed in a dark blue suit and green patterned tie.
However he did not attend the hearing itself, and his solicitor appeared in court on his behalf.
Smyth is next ordained to appear on July 1.
The National previously told how the hearing was initially scheduled for May 6, but was delayed.
The case is separate to the allegations of possession of indecent photographs of children and voyeurism – allegedly linked to a camera hidden in Scottish parliament toilets – for which Smyth appeared in court in Dumfries last October.
