Policeman admits motoring fiddle

Fulton appeared at Dumfries Sheriff Court

A police constable who is also the chairman of a Scottish third division football club has admitted trying to cover up his son's motoring offence.

Brian Fulton, chairman of Scottish Football League newcomers Gretna, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice when he appeared at Dumfries Sheriff Court.

The 48-year-old now has now resigned from the Dumfries and Galloway force.

Fulton sat in the dock with his head bowed and wiped away tears as his solicitor described him as a man with a 20-year unblemished career who was respected by his colleagues and the community.

The court heard his 20-year-old son Kevin borrowed his girlfriend's car and crashed it into a fence while driving without insurance.

Background reports

Fulton filled in a form saying his son had produced all the necessary documentation after the accident, including a valid insurance certificate.

He was suspended by the police when the offence came to light.

The court heard that his career was in tatters and he faced losing pension rights worth £250,000.

Sheriff Rae Small deferred sentence for three weeks for background reports.

Fulton was in the headlines earlier this year when Gretna FC become the newest members of the Scottish Football League.

They joined the senior Scottish set-up for the first time since their foundation in 1947.

The 27 existing member clubs of the football league voted the club into the Scottish Third Division after hearing presentations from seven clubs.