Ex-footballer accused of attempted murder in bar attack

Exterior of the High Court in Glasgow
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A former footballer has appeared in court charged with attempted murder.

Peter Hetherston, 59, allegedly assaulted Charles Houston at The Joker in Bellshill, North Lanarkshire, in July 2022.

The ex-Raith Rovers and Aberdeen midfielder is accused alongside Martin Hetherston, 56 and Lauren McGowan, 31.

All three pled not guilty at the High Court in Glasgow and a trial was fixed for April 2025.

Court documents say they punched Mr Houston on the head, causing him to lose consciousness.

It is claimed Mr Houston then fell to the ground, striking his head on the floor.

The three are accused to have gone to seize Mr Houston by the body and pull him.

Peter and Martin Hetherston, both of Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, face a separate charge of assault on Ian Mitchell at the same place and date.

It is claimed they repeatedly punched him on the head and uttered threats to him.