Two St Andrews University students have appeared in court following allegations they indulged in anti-semitic behaviour.
Colchester (20), of Andrew Melville Hall, and 18-year-old Donnachie, of McIntosh Hall, both deny the allegations.
During Thursday’s court appearance in Cupar they spoke only to confirm their names.
Trial in the case was due to be held next month but was delayed to ensure it does not fall within the Jewish festival of Passover.
Colchester and Donnachie face a charge alleging that, on March 12 at a building owned by the university in Links Crescent, they acted in a racially aggravated manner intended to cause alarm or distress to Mr Reitblat.
The charge states they placed their hands inside their trousers and on to their genitals before rubbing them on to a flag of Israel. It is also alleged they made comments of an offensive nature within Mr Reitblat’s presence, contrary to the Criminal Law Act.
An alternative charge states the pair behaved in a threatening or abusive manner likely to cause a reasonable person to suffer fear or alarm by acting in the manner described, contrary to the Criminal Justice Act.
Depute fiscal Tracy Plant asked that trial be delayed until mid-May as essential witnesses – including the complainer – are Jewish.
“This would ensure that the trial does not fall within the dates of the Jewish Passover festival,” she said.
Trial was accordingly fixed for May 11 and both Colchester and Donnachie were released on bail meantime.
A spokesman at St Andrews University said the university is aware of the case.