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Warrant issued over Knox statue

A SHERIFF has issued a warrant for the arrest of a teenager accused of snapping the index finger off a statue of John Knox, leading figure of the Scottish Reformation.

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Declan McBlain, 18, from Stirling, is said to have damaged the statue of the fire-and-brimstone preacher in the Valley Cemetery in Stirling. It is alleged he snapped off the finger, which Knox is shown holding aloft. Stonemasons estimated repairs could cost more than £5000.

McBlain was due to stand trial at Stirling Sheriff Court yesterday, but failed to turn up. His solicitor, Harry Coughlan, told Sheriff William Gilchrist: "I have no explanation for my client's non-appearance."

The Crown asked for a warrant to apprehend him, which the sheriff granted.

McBlain had earlier entered a plea of not guilty to a single charge of vandalising the statue. The incident is said to have occurred on July 20 last year.

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