The much-delayed trial of ex-Sheriff Raj Jandoo in connection with alleged incidents aboard a flight from Inverness to Stornoway in March 2004 (see Nos 332, 379) finally began in Stornoway Sheriff Court on 16 February 2005. Jandoo faces five charges, two with regard to breaches of the peace arising from his conduct on the flight, and three contraventions of air safety regulations. Evidence having been taken for three days, the trial was adjourned for a month on 18 February. The taking of evidence is expected to last for at least another day. Donald Findlay QC is Jandoo’s counsel (see No 409).
There also began on 11 February the trial of Transco for breach of health and safety regulations leading to a gas explosion in Larkhall on 22 December 1999, which destroyed a bungalow and killed the family of four who lived there. In earlier proceedings it had been held that as a company Transco could not be charged with culpable homicide (see Nos 159, 217, 232). The trial is expected to last between six and nine months.