THE TRIAL of a Forfar man accused of fraud collapsed yesterday when the High Court in Dunfermline heard that he was unfit to continue.

James Stewart Forbes (63), of Prosen Place, had been hospitalised twice last week and the case had been adjourned for further details of his medical condition to be sought.

Forbes had denied that, having formed a fraudulent scheme with Simon Ogilvie, he stole a quantity of blank cheques and forged signatures to obtain £78,245.

He also denied that between July 1 and October 11, 1996, while acting with another, he stole property from Miss Alice Pilkington’s home at Whincraig, Norwood, Newport, and on January 10, 1997, broke into the house and stole property, again while acting with another.

Charles Boag-Thomson QC had lodged a special defence of incrimination, blaming Mr Ogilvie for the alleged crimes.

The court heard yesterday that Forbes had yet to see a consultant cardiologist, but a GP had provided a certificate stating that he was not fit to stand trial.

Lady Cosgrove ordered the case to be deserted pro loco et tempore. That leaves it open to the Crown to raise the prosecution again if the accused’s condition improves. She told the jury that it had been “an unfortunate and highly unusual set of circumstances” and she apologised for the inconvenience to them.