Church elder is accused of attack

May 22 2009 by Les Stewart, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A 62-YEAR-OLD man made a brief appearance in private at Perth Sheriff Court on Wednesday afternoon, charged with sabotaging a major Highland Perthshire cycling event at the weekend.

Alexander Grosset, of Tighnacoille, near Pitlochry, is alleged to have culpably and recklessly deposited a quantity of tacks on part of the route of the 81-mile closed road Etape Caledonia, held last Sunday.

The charge further alleges that he showed “complete disregard” for the safety of competitors and pedestrians, causing damage to bicycles, emergency service vehicles and other associated vehicles.

The offence is alleged to have been committed between May 16 and 17, at the unclassified road between Kinloch Rannoch and Tomphubil and also on the unclassified B846, between Tomphubil and Aberfeldy.

Grosset, who is understood to be the current chairman of Rannoch and Tummel Community Council and a church elder, was represented by solicitor Sally McKenzie during his appearance before Sheriff Michael Fletcher.