SCOTLAND
STV

Appeal court judges have quashed the conviction of a monk for sexually assaulting a woman at a university chaplaincy.

Mark Paterson, 55, was placed on the sex offenders register after being found guilty at the end of a five-day trial at Aberdeen Sheriff Court eight years ago.

But on Thursday the Justiciary Appeal Court overturned the decision after fresh evidence emerged that challenged the testimony of a female witness.

The judges also said the trial was unfair because reports from a doctor had not been disclosed.

Mr Paterson said he was “delighted” following the judgment by Lady Smith, who heard the appeal with Lady Dorrian and Lord Philip.