A SCOTS feminist accused of a hate crime over social media posts has had her court case continued to allow her new legal team to work on her defence.
Marion Millar, a 50-year-old account from Airdrie, appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court on August 31, when a further hearing was set for today, October 4.
However that has now been rescheduled to November 1.
Ms Millar made no plea at her preliminary bail hearing in August, when she appeared accused of posting homophobic and transphobic material on social media.
She is alleged to have behaved in a threatening or abusive manner between October 2020 and June 2021 within the Glasgow area and Rutherglen, South Lanarkshire.
Prosecutors say she repeatedly posted content on social media that was of a “homophobic and transphobic nature”.
The complaint alleges she directed threatening or abusive behaviour at three people, including a police officer, via social media between October and June, contrary to Section 38(1) of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010.
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The complaint said the conduct was aggravated by prejudice relating to sexual orientation and transgender identity.
Ms Millar is being defended by the SNP MP Joanna Cherry QC and advocate Paul Harvey.
Initially, she was working with solicitors Beltrami & Co.
However in a tweet today, she said she had now instructed Levy & McRae to represent her, and that the firm had instructed Ms Cherry and Mr Harvey to continue their work for her.
Her counsel had been considering whether the prosecution was compatible with Ms Millar’s human rights under the European Convention on Human Rights.
David McKie of Levy & McRae, who represents Ms Millar, said: “The case is at a very early stage and our client has lodged a number of legal arguments with the court which will be debated in due course.
“The case has been continued until next month for more information to be provided to us.
“She intends to defend the charge against her vigorously.
“It would be inappropriate to say anything further at this stage about the case while it remains active.
“She would, however, like to thank the many thousands of people who have expressed support for her.”
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