DISGRACED cardinal Keith O’Brien may face a trial under internal Catholic Church law which could see him stripped of his red hat.

The church hierarchy are probing allegations O’Brien – now living at a retreat in Cumbria – made unwanted sexual advances towards young priests.

Three priests whose accusations forced O’Brien to stand down from his role a year ago have held talks with Archbishop Leo Cushley, the new head of the Catholic Church in Scotland.

They have asked him to pass on written complaints characterising O’Brien as a “sexual predator” to Rome.

Last night, Archbishop Cushley’s spokesman said: “The archbishop will assist in any way he can to help bring a just and ­equitable conclusion to the matter for all involved. Any decision on further action will be a matter for the Holy See.”

Under canon law, the legal framework which governs the Church, only the Pope can “sentence” a cardinal.

A source close to the Vatican said: “There could be a canonical trial and Pope Francis could ask him to resign from the College of Cardinals and hand back his red hat but I think it’s unlikely.

“They may decide not to pursue it on the grounds he has already been forced to resign or the Pope may instruct him to spend a second, longer period in prayer and penance.”