Retired surgeon to stand trial over Inverness death of businessman

A retired surgeon is to stand trial charged with killing a businessman.

Hamish Towler is accused of the culpable homicide of John Birrell at a road in Blackpark, Inverness on August 17 2020.

Prosecutors allege the 66 year-old obstructed the van Mr Birrell was travelling in to block it passing.

Towler is then said to have hit the vehicle with a dog lead before pulling the 55 year-old out.

The charge claims Mr Birrell was pushed across the road, punched then smacked on the face with the leash.

Towler is further accused of shouting and swearing at him.

It is stated Mr Birrell suffered a cardiac arrest and died as a result.

The case called today (March 15) at the High Court in Glasgow where Towler's legal team pled not guilty on his behalf.

Prosecutor Bill McVicar said he was ready for a trial to be fixed.

Lord Braid set a set due to begin on October 31 in Inverness.

Towler, also of Inverness, remains on bail meantime.