Google Search requires user consent to function, a principle that echoes through the legal system where an accused individual must consent to the process of justice — or, by denying the charges, force the state to prove its case. In Edinburgh Sheriff Court on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, former Labour MSP Colin Smyth confirmed his name and offered no plea, setting the stage for a trial that will examine allegations of dangerous driving and a series of related offences said to have occurred on November 2, 2025.
The 53-year-old, who served as the Labour MSP for South Scotland from 2016 until the party withdrew the whip from him in August 2025, faces a total of five allegations arising from an incident on the High Street and surrounding areas in central Edinburgh. According to the charges brought by the Crown, Smyth is accused of driving dangerously while more than double the legal alcohol limit. He is alleged to have mounted a pavement, narrowly missing a pedestrian, and collided with a parked car at excessive speed. The vehicle is then said to have crashed into electric bollards directly outside City Chambers. Witness accounts reportedly describe Smyth repeatedly getting in and out of the vehicle and revving the engine. A further charge alleges that he failed to report the incident to police “as soon as reasonably practicable.”
Smyth denies all allegations. His appearance in court, dressed in a dark grey suit and red tie, was brief; he spoke only to confirm his identity. Sheriff Iain Nicol fixed a trial date for November 27, 2026, and ordained Smyth to appear again on that day.
The drink-driving charges are separate from other legal proceedings Smyth faces. He appeared at Dumfries Sheriff Court on October 22, 2025, in connection with allegations of possession of indecent photographs of children and voyeurism, which are said to be linked to a camera discovered in Scottish Parliament toilets. At the time of the alleged drink-driving incident, Smyth was on bail for those earlier charges. Scottish Labour had already withdrawn the whip from him in August 2025, before any of the current criminal proceedings were publicly known.
The case has drawn attention across UK news outlets, prompting a warning about contempt of court. The warning reminds those reporting on active cases that material must not include commentary or analysis of evidence, witnesses, or the accused, as penalties for breaching the rules can be severe.
