Statement by Russel McPhate, Solicitor on behalf of Bill Walker

The pronouncing of sentence by the Sheriff on the charges for which Mr Walker has been found guilty concludes this part of the proceedings.

I can confirm that Mr Walker maintains his innocence in respect of these charges and an Appeal has already been lodged with the Court inviting the Sheriff to state a case for the opinion of the High Court of Justiciary. An application has been made to the Sheriff for Mr Walker’s interim liberation pending the hearing of the Appeal. Should that application be refused by the Sheriff the High Court will be asked to rule on the application and that is likely to happen early next week.

Thereafter, the Sheriff will require to state a case for the opinion of the High court dealing with the issues raised in the appeal which Mr Walker believes show there to have been a miscarriage of justice. The defence will have the opportunity of commenting upon and proposing adjustments to that case. It is likely to be several weeks before that part of the process is concluded and the papers transmitted to the High Court.

The appropriate forum for the discussion of the issues relating to the Appeal is the High Court of Justiciary. Accordingly, Mr Walker will not be making any further public comment on the case at this time.