The Edinburgh Evening News and the Press and Journal in Aberdeen look set to face trial after denying criminal charges relating to the alleged identification of a boy accused of murder.

At separate hearings this week Scotsman Publications Ltd, publishers of the Evening News, and Aberdeen Journals Ltd, publishers of the Press and Journal, pleaded not guilty to a contravention of Section 47 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.

The charges relate to proceedings against a 16-year-old currently on trial accused of murdering schoolgirl Jodi Jones.

It is alleged that on April 15 both newspapers published reports of court proceedings which included information which led to the identification of the boy, who was then aged 15.

An intermediate date for the Press and Journal case has now been set for January 26, with the trial, at Aberdeen Sheriff Court, set for February 18.

The Evening News case is being continued on February 18, with the trial, at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, set for March 3.

If found guilty, each newspaper could face a fine of up to £2,500.

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