By Kirsty Stewart and Brian Donnelly
A RAMBLER who was accused of urinating on one of Donald Trump’s golf courses has revealed the criminal case against her has now been dropped.
Rohan Beyts was charged under the Civic Government (Scotland) Act for allegedly urinating on Trump International Golf Links in Aberdeenshire in April.
The 62-year-old had been out for a walk when she was apparently “caught short”. She was later visited by police who informed her staff at the course had filmed the incident on their mobile phones.
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The former social worker refused to admit the charges, challenging the decision to be issued with a warning letter that would be put on record.
In a turn of events last month, the grandmother revealed she was suing the course for breach of privacy and damages.
And she has vowed to continue to pursue her own civil claim against the golf course, saying she believed the failure to proceed with criminal charges may help her own case.
Mrs Beyts revealed yesterday that she had been informed by the procurator-fiscal that charges were being withdrawn.
She said: “Today I heard that the criminal case against me has been dropped. Hurray.
“I am relieved that the procurator-fiscal has seen sense.
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“I am still mystified as to the claim that I was within a few feet of the clubhouse when this ‘shameful and disgusting act’ took place.
“The tremendous support I have received, including from people who have played the course, has assuaged any doubts I had.
“I will continue to visit my friends who live on neighbouring properties and, if necessary, cross the course in accordance with the outdoor access code.”
She branded the procedure a “whole waste of police and legal time”.
And Mrs Beyts added: “They issued me with a warning back in January and I challenged that.
“They said my refusal (to accept a warning) had been noted.”
The civil case against the golf course for breach of privacy is said to be at an early stage.
Under Scottish laws that uphold public access to open land, Mrs Beyts and a friend had used a public footpath across the Trump course to walk past the clubhouse on April 11 this year.
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As they came back from their walk, the pair say there were challenged by resort staff and then photographed by a local newspaper photographer.
She was visited by two Police Scotland officers three days later who formally charged her with public annoyance.
A third officer told her that two members of Mr Trump’s staff and a guest on the course had filmed her on their mobile phones as she ducked behind the dunes.
She was accused by the Trump organisation of causing offence.
Mrs Beyts, an active environmentalist, has made no secret of her disapproval of Mr Trump’s development having actively protested against the resort in the past.
She often takes part in voluntary work for the John Muir Trust, which protects wild land.
A spokesman for the Crown Office said: “Following a review of all facts and circumstances the case, including new evidence which has come to light, the procurator-fiscal instructed there be no proceedings.”
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