A LAWYER who helped Princess Diana’s mother through a drink-driving case was arrested as he returned from Africa after failing to answer a motoring charge.

Valaydon Ruben Murdanaigum, 65, was detained on a warrant by police at Glasgow Airport after stepping off a plane from Cameroon, where he had been on holiday.

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The former prosecutor was earlier charged with careless driving after allegedly hitting the central reservation, then crashing into another vehicle on the A77 near Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, in March 2015.

Sheriff Alistair Watson granted a warrant for his arrest after he failed to attend a procedural hearing at the town’s sheriff court.

Sheriff Watson rebuked Mr Murdanaigum, who entered the dock from the public benches rather than the cells, for “blurring” the distinction between a solicitor and an accused person.

He had been excused attendance in court last month and his case was adjourned until the following week for a personal appearance, when he failed to turn up.

Andrew Murphy, defence advocate, said: “When he arrived at Glasgow Airport he became aware of your lordship’s warrant.

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“He was not anticipating this would happen but that’s where we are. An apology has been made.”

He represented Princess Diana’s mother, the late Frances Shand Kydd, initially during her drink-driving case in 1996.