First Minster & now First Judge ? Alex Salmond criticised by Sheriff in Supreme Court war of words wrangle. PERTH SHERIFF COURT last week saw the first public remarks made by a member of Scotland’s judiciary against the First Minister’s interference & highly personalised attacks on the judicial system, attacks which particularly focus on Human Rights rulings from the UK Supreme Court, based in London. Mr Salmond has personally attacked the Supreme Court’s judges, its rulings, and has alleged it has undermined the rule of law in Scotland. Mr Salmond has also backed his Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill over threats to withdraw Scottish funding for Supreme Court cases.
In a case currently before Sheriff Lindsay Foulis in which a man denied that on November 27, at an address at The Cross, Coupar Angus, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and exposing himself in a public place to the alarm of people and committed a breach of the peace, Sheriff Foulis said, "Perhaps the first minister would give his opinion on this — he seems to have an opinion on everything else. Maybe he will decide this matter."
Legal insiders criticising the level of political interference in the justice system observed today “..it now appears Mr Salmond wants to become First Judge as well as First Minister.”
The Courier newspaper reports :
'He has an opinion on everything else' — sheriff's cutting remarks directed at first minister
A sheriff has taken a swipe at the first minister, as the row over comments made by Alex Salmond about the judiciary escalates.
By Paul Reoch Published in the Courier : 17.06.11
Sheriff Lindsay Foulis suggested that Mr Salmond "may give his opinion" on a case that was heard before him at Perth Sheriff Court on Thursday as he has "an opinion on everything else."
The sheriff made his remarks when he was told that a trial involving Michael Fleming (19), of Airlie View, Blairgowrie, would have to wait pending a decision from a higher court.
Depute fiscal Rebecca Kynaston told the court there had been "issues" with a police interview and that the case would have to be delayed.
Sheriff Foulis said, "Perhaps the first minister would give his opinion on this — he seems to have an opinion on everything else. Maybe he will decide this matter."
It is understood many figures in the legal profession are incensed by Mr Salmond's recent criticism of Supreme Court judge Lord Hope and prominent solicitor Tony Kelly, and the matter was the subject of some exchanges at First Minister's Questions.
A spokesman for the first minister said they could not comment on individual remarks from a sheriff.
Fleming denied that on November 27, at an address at The Cross, Coupar Angus, he conducted himself in a disorderly manner by shouting, swearing and exposing himself in a public place to the alarm of people and committed a breach of the peace.
He will stand trial at Perth Sheriff Court on November 7.
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