Massone enters ‘not guilty’ plea
Livingston FC chairman Angelo Massone appeared in court today charged with a drink driving offence – but has maintained his innocence, entering a plea of ‘not guilty’.
Massone appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court alongside an interpreter in relation to an alleged incident in Bonnington Road on November 29 last year.
The 37-year old Italian, whose address was given as St Bernard’s Crescent, also in Edinburgh, is alleged to have produced a breathalyser reading of 59 microgrammes of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath – a staggering 68% over the legal limit of 35.
Today’s criminal court appearance was Massone’s second after the first was adjourned as he did not have an interpreter present. Having entered a not guilty plea to a charge of being drunk in charge of a car, he will now be tried, meaning further visits to court.
His trial has been set for August 13 with an interim hearing two weeks beforehand on July 30.
If found guilty, Massone faces a range of tough penalties. A driving ban is mandatory for all convicted drink drivers, and a large fine is normal. Custodial sentences can be imposed, although these are relatively rare.
Although his guilt has yet to be proven (or otherwise), this latest brush with the law is clearly another huge embarrassment for Massone and, by association, a fresh PR disaster for Livingston FC as a whole.
The club has been no stranger to legal proceedings in recent months with local businesses having to resort to going to court in a bid to receive payment for goods and services rendered.
More than 20 cases have been presented to date, all of which have been lost, and many of which have gone undefended.
The avalanche of decrees has brought speculation that the club, as a limited company, may be forced to enter administration for a second time.
More worryingly LiviNews understands that at least one creditor has applied to wind the company up – a move which if successful would kill the club off entirely.
These are indeed very worrying times down at Almondvale.
LiviNews 
Embarrassment is the word.
staimanzo - April 22, 2009 at 5:40 PM |
Massone drags Livi through the mud again. Quelle surprise.
Stevie Collins - April 22, 2009 at 9:04 PM |
It was the Livi Trusts fall m’lud. They made me do it. Honest.
Capernicus - April 22, 2009 at 8:16 PM |
Right stirling oout the Cor 🙂
PC Plod - April 22, 2009 at 8:48 PM |
Doesn’t it only take one creditor to wind the company up? That’s what worries me.
Reginald Molehusband - April 22, 2009 at 9:10 PM |
Who is it though? One of the 20 already taking the club to court, or someone different?
Even if the club isn’t forced to shut down, who in their right mind would do business with Livingston FC right now while Massone is still there?
And there’s no way in hell that I’ll be renewing my four tickets, that’s for sure. We’ll pick and choose our games and pay at the gate next year when we do go.
Christ, it’s hard enough saving up for a week away with the family never mind coughing up for our family ticket money 5 months early so that Massone can piss it up against a wall.
Roger Ramjet - April 22, 2009 at 9:20 PM |
Call yourself a supporter? Your a disgrace! Massone is a good man with the best of the club at heart. Give him your money so he can build a strong Livingston. Back to the SPL where we belong!
Chief Tee Ah Millatoona - April 23, 2009 at 4:51 PM |
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