A suspended Scottish Labour MSP has appeared in court charged with voyeurism and being in possession of indecent photographs of children.
Colin Smyth, 52, was previously arrested on 5 August.
The MSP for South Scotland appeared before Dumfries Sheriff Court on Wednesday, where he made no plea to the two separate charges.
The accused, whose general address was given as Edinburgh, was granted bail ahead of his next court appearance, which is yet to be confirmed.
A spokesperson from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) said: “These matters are active under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
“The provisions of this act protect the integrity of proceedings, preserve access to justice for victims and secure the rights of people accused of crime.
“Anyone publishing items about active cases is advised to exercise caution as material must not be commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses or accused.
“Contempt of Court carries penalties of up to two years in prison and/or an unlimited fine.”
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Smyth has been an MSP since 2016 and previously served as Scottish Labour’s general secretary from 2008 to 2012.
He is currently suspended from the party and is listed as an independent on the Scottish parliament website.
