Former footballer denies threat to kill wife

A former Hearts footballer has been accused of threatening to kill his wife.
Lee Makel in action for Livingston against Aberdeen. He denies charges which allege he sent abusive texts to his wife.Lee Makel in action for Livingston against Aberdeen. He denies charges which allege he sent abusive texts to his wife.
Lee Makel in action for Livingston against Aberdeen. He denies charges which allege he sent abusive texts to his wife.

Lee Makel, who also played for Blackburn Rovers and Livingston, is charged with engaging in a course of behaviour which was abusive towards her over the course of a year.

The offence is alleged to have happened at an address in Thirlestane Drive, Lauder, and in Edinburgh and Portobello between May 30, 2019, and May 15, 2020.

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The charge alleges he was abusive towards Claire Makel by repeatedly shouting and swearing at her, sending her abusive messages including a threat to kill her, throw household items belonging to her about, follow her to a place in Edinburgh and direct abusive messages towards Gareth Blair, who was a former chief superintendent with Police Scotland.

The 48-year-old of Stoneyford, Lauder, pleaded not guilty to the charge at Selkirk Sheriff Court and a trial date has been set for September 7.