Allegations of threats and stalking to be examined by sheriff

Allegations that members and officials of one of Scotland’s most exclusive golf clubs were stalked and threatened by a former member are to be examined by a sheriff.

John Sullivan, a Lanarkshire businessman, is said to have behaved in a threatening and abusive manner at the Glenearn Golf Club, based at the Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, whose membership includes Scotland’s super-rich.

His alleged victims include tanning salon tycoon Frank Taylor, whose Indigo Sun chain operates nearly 70 salons with a total turnover of more than £14 million a year, Mr Taylor’s sons Ewan and Neal, also directors or ex-directors of the family business, and Colin MacMorran, managing director of a Falkirk-based industrial supplies company.

Sullivan, 59, faced six charges of stalking, one of extortion and one of threatening behaviour, which he denied, but has been found unfit to stand trial due to brain damage sustained when he was the victim of an “unrelated” criminal assault.

He failed to appear at an examination of facts hearing scheduled to take place at Falkirk Sheriff Court yesterday.

The hearing was adjourned after Sullivan’s solicitor, Becky Houston, withdrew from acting.

Miss Houston told the court she had intended to argue that any behaviour found to have been committed by Sullivan was “excused by his failure to appreciate the wrongfulness of his actions” as a result of his brain damage.

She said his failure to appear at the examination of facts hearing was due to him suffering “considerable pain and distress” and she considered he was also unfit to instruct her.

Sheriff John Mundy adjourned the examination of facts to a sitting on June 10 when the sheriff will determine whether the actions alleged to have been committed by Sullivan actually took place.

Sullivan was ordered to appear in person at a procedural hearing next Tuesday, when the court may appoint a fresh solicitor for him.