A POLICEMAN accused of stalking and violence against women over a decade has been excused from a court appearance so he can continue working.

Pc Scott McGregor was granted permission by a sheriff to miss a forthcoming intermediate trial diet to fulfil his role as a serving officer with Police Scotland.

Mr McGregor, 28, who is on restricted duties, is also alleged to have hacked a lover’s social media accounts.

He did not appear in the dock at Perth Sheriff Court yesterday as his solicitor, Richard Cullen, said he maintained his not guilty pleas.

Mr Cullen said that, because of the time it could take to check new evidence, including the potential examination of a phone, dating back over 10 years he said the trial would be expected to last up to two days.

He asked for his client to be excused from a further intermediate diet to continue his job.

Fiscal depute Robbie Brown told the court he had no objection to the trial being postponed and said the Crown would be calling seven witnesses against McGregor.

McGregor denies stalking one ex-girlfriend for three years and attacking another lover by headbutting her.

He denies hacking social media accounts, creeping into his former girlfriend’s home uninvited and entering her bedroom, as well as lying down in front of his partner’s car.

The officer, who is serving in Tayside, gave his address as the force’s professional standards department.