FOUR men who are standing trial for allegedly attacking a group of motorcyclists have been acquitted of an attempted murder charge and a breach of the peace allegation.
Prosecutors yesterday withdrew an allegation that Ian Ewing, 44, Patrick Noble, 52, Kyle Urquhart, 22, and Ian Yeomans, 57, attempted to murder a man called Alistair Thompson.
Prosecutors claimed the alleged attack took place on the A98 Fochabers to Banff road near Cullen on September 8 2018.
It was claimed the four men drove a car with a registration plate number BK67 NUH at Mr Thompson.
However, prosecutors withdrew the charge against the four men on the fifth day of proceedings against them at the High Court in Edinburgh.
The Crown also withdrew an allegation which claimed the four men committed a breach of the peace at the same location.
Prosecutors claimed the four men conducted themselves in a disorderly manner and brandished weapons with their faces masked.
The Crown also amended another charge of attempted murder facing the four men. It had been alleged that they attempted to murder a motorcyclist called John Sutherland.
However, the men are now alleged to have assaulted Mr Sutherland to his severe injury and permanent disfigurement.
The four men continue to stand trial on other charges.
Prosecutors claim that the four men assaulted Colin Sutherland.
It’s claimed they drove the same car at him, collided with him at “speed” and this caused him to fall from his bike and lose consciousness.
Prosecutors say they then repeatedly struck Mr Sutherland on the head and body with a claw hammer, a tyre iron and a baseball bat before repeatedly kicking him on the body.
It’s claimed they then cut Mr Sutherland’s clothing with a knife and attempted to murder him.
The third charge states tat they also assaulted John Sutherland to his “severe injury and permanent disfigurement”.
The Crown also claims that they assaulted a man called Edward Forrest by striking him on the head and body with a claw hammer which rendered him unconscious.
Prosecutors say these alleged actions were to Mr Forrest’s “severe injury permanent disfigurement and to the danger” of his life.
They are also alleged to have assaulted Nicky Syratt to his “injury and danger” of his life on the same date and same location.
Ewing, of Stonehaven, Noble, of Aberdeen, Urquhart, of Aberdeen, and Yeomans, of Peterhead, Aberdeenshire pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The trial, before judge Lady Scott, continues.
