A PIANIST hand-delivered a letter to an author asking her to be friends with him and have a party, a court has heard.

Graeme McNaught, 55, is alleged to have posted the note to Janice Galloway that also included claims he had 'fizzy wine' to drink and share.

Miss Galloway, 59, and Mr McNaught, of Mount Vernon, Glasgow, met in 1990 and had a six year on-off relationship during which they had a son, James.

Mr McNaught, 55, is on trial at Hamilton Sheriff Court and is accused of leaving a letter and having a parcel delivered to Miss Galloway's home in Uddingston, Lanarkshire. He also denies repeatedly emailing her agent and husband and breaching bail conditions.

He has lodged a special defence that he was not criminally responsible for the alleged incidents because he was suffering a mental health condition.

A jury heard Mr McNaught was seen posting a letter at the home shared by Miss Galloway, her husband Jonathan May, 53, and friend Alison Cameron, 59, in October last year.

The letter said: "I'm risking nothing at all by asking you to call

"I have fizzy wine in the fridge and I am in a celebratory mood. I want to get on with you three, will someone be prepared to talk? You have been confused, I know it's been hard but believe me I have not.

"I have only wished for James to be at one with his parents and for us all to party."

The trial also heard details from an email allegedly sent to Mr May from Mr McNaught's email address later that month that praised Miss Galloway's work but also said other people thought it was 'crap'.

A further email said: "I don't think you are going to do me for harassment because that would be a bit poofy."

The jury later heard an interview police held with Mr McNaught after he was detained in connection with the allegations.

Mr McNaught refused to comment on his relationship with Miss Galloway or on any of the allegations he faces during the interview.

The trial, before Sheriff Marie Smart, continues.