Edinburgh man awaits verdict in Thailand over phone theft allegation

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 29 Oct, 19:39 · Archive

An Edinburgh man arrested in Thailand after allegedly taking another tourist's phone faces a six-week wait for a verdict.

Rory McColl, an Edinburgh man, was arrested in Bangkok on 9 March after allegedly taking a phone belonging to Melina Muchow, a 22-year-old German tourist, from a table in Golf Bar on Khao San Road. McColl claims he mistook the device for his own and did not intend to steal it. Muchow identified McColl in CCTV footage and insisted on prosecution, though police officers initially offered him the chance to apologise and leave.

At a court hearing on 29 October before four judges in Bangkok, two Thai police officers testified that the incident was a 'misunderstanding'. McColl is charged with 'theft at night', which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison if he is convicted. A verdict is due to be issued on 9 December, with McColl remaining on bail during this period.

How it is being reported

• Family of Edinburgh man trapped in Thailand after mobile phone theft mix-up hope he's home for ChristmasEdinburgh man has lost his job, home and missed his son’s 13th birthday while trapped in ThailandEdinburgh Evening News · 29 Oct, 19:10
• Edinburgh dad arrested in Thailand over 'phone theft' faces six-week verdict wait'They looked at the CCTV and then no questions asked I was taken away and in the cells'Edinburgh Live · 29 Oct, 18:41

In this story: Rory McColl · Melina Muchow · Edinburgh · Thailand · Bangkok · Golf Bar

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