SCOTTISH Labour has expelled one of its most senior figures in South Lanarkshire after he was convicted of repeatedly staring and gesturing at a teenage couple on a bus.

However, Jackie Burns is still listed as a party candidate for the council election this week as his court case was only resolved after ballot papers were issued.

Burns was deputy leader of South Lanarkshire council when he was charged last year in relation to an incident on a bus between Hamilton and Larkhall.

The case called on Friday and Hamilton Sheriff Court heard that Burns was filmed on CCTV moving seats and making gestures, including licking his lips, at a woman and her boyfriend.

In his own evidence, Burns said he could not explain his actions on the bus that night “in terms of rational behaviour”.

He said he had been out with friends since the afternoon and had been drinking.

Burns pled not guilty, but he was convicted of a breach of the peace. Sentencing was deferred until June 8th.

A Scottish Labour spokesperson was quick to distance the party from him: “He has been expelled from the party and can't rejoin for at least five years.”

Burns did not return this newspaper’s call.