A CELTIC fan whose behaviour on a train allegedly reduced an elderly couple to tears has walked free from court after a prosecution under the Government's flagship football sectarianism legislation failed.

Witnesses said Steven Dickson, 34, of Erskine, was under the influence of alcohol, swore, and used the words "huns", on the ScotRail service from Aberdeen to Glasgow.

Falkirk Sheriff Court heard the elderly couple were very distressed – and had to be rescued by the train's tea lady and taken into first class.

But defence lawyer Tony Callahan submitted that Mr Dickson, who did not give evidence, had no case to answer. Sheriff Craig Caldwell upheld the defence motion of no case to answer.