Peebles Cornet charged with rape and abduction

David O'Leary • Published 30 Jul 2010 09:30

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Peebles' Cornet has appeared in court charged with an alleged abduction and rape at the T in the Park music festival.

Finlay Barber, 28, appeared in private from custody at Perth Sheriff Court last Friday on a petition alleging he raped an 18-year-old at the music festival.

Barber, of Kingsmuir Crescent, Peebles, is alleged to have befriended the teenager at the music festival in Balado, Kinross, between July 11 and 12 this year.

The petition alleges that, whilst he was acting with another person, Barber abducted her after meeting her in the venue and inviting her for a drink.

He is alleged to have led her to the car park area before forcing her into a vehicle, and when she attempted to escape, he forced her to return to the van.

The charge alleges that he detained the girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, against her will and abducted her with intent to rape her.

A second charge alleges that within the vehicle at T in the Park, and elsewhere to the prosecutor unknown, he assaulted the teenager and restrained her using bodily pressure. He is accused of then forcibly removing her clothing before sexually assaulting and raping her.

Barber made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination by Sheriff Michael Fletcher.

The Crown did not oppose bail and he was freed with the additional bail condition that he does not approach the alleged victim.

Barber is, at present, Peebles Cornet 2010 his installation taking place on June 23 during the Beltane festivities.

A spokesman for Peebles Beltane Committee said: "By mutual agreement with the Beltane Committee, the Cornet has agreed not to take part in any festivities or official engagements until the case has been decided."

He had been due to take part in the Lauder Festival this weekend.

This article appeared in Peeblesshire News 30 Jul 10

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