Scotland's ex-First Minister Salmond charged by court

By Ahmet Gurhan Kartal

LONDON (AA) - Former first minister and the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on Thursday was charged with multiple numbers of sexual assault and attempted rape.

Alex Salmond, 64, appeared at an Edinburgh court after he was arrested Wednesday at a police station where he attended with his solicitor.

He was charged with 14 different offenses, including nine sexual assaults and two cases of attempted rape, but was released on bail.

However, Salmond protested his innocence in a brief statement he gave before the court: "Let me say from the outset, I am innocent of any criminality whatsoever."

"Now that these proceedings, criminal proceedings are live, it is even more important to respect the court," he said.

Salmond said: "The only thing that I can say is I refute absolutely these allegations of criminality and I will defend myself to the utmost in court. I’ve got great faith in the court system in Scotland."

"You know me well enough to know that I’d love to say a great deal more but I have got to observe the rules of the court and in court is where I will state my case.

Salmond served as the Scotland’s first minister between 2007 and 2014.