Footballer fined over gun charge

Lee Wallace has played for Hearts nine times this season

A young Hearts footballer has been fined £1,500 for possessing an airgun.

Lee Wallace, 19, admitted having the weapon in an Edinburgh housing scheme in August.

The sheriff reminded Wallace, who played for Scotland in the Under-19 European Championship, of his position as a role model for young people.

The court heard that Wallace had written a letter of apology to Hearts, which has told him no further disciplinary action will be taken.

The defender, who has played for Hearts nine time this season, was initially charged with being in possession of a loaded firearm at Sighthill Green.

However, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court in September he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of possessing an air weapon.

Family support

Wallace had admitted buying the airgun and shooting bottles and cans.

On Friday, the footballer's defence agent, Andrew Houston, said Wallace was embarrassed by the incident and felt he had let down his family and employers.

Sheriff Kenneth Maciver said he was satisfied by a social inquiry report that his family would ensure that he does not reoffend.

"I hope that your employers will help you in redressing any harm that has been done in that area, making young people think there is anything acceptable about unlawful possession of a firearm," he said.