It all started with a case of mistaken identity that could only happen in real life.
Gary Towsey, a 43-year-old dad from Liverpool, caused quite a stir at Edinburgh’s Bonham Hotel after turning up in a full Highland outfit he had discovered abandoned on a park bench.
His unusual appearance led hotel staff to believe they were in the presence of none other than Olympic cycling legend Sir Chris Hoy.
A Kilt from an Unexpected Source
Towsey didn’t just stumble in with any old outfit—he was decked out in a kilt, jacket, and shoes, all part of a Highland ensemble.
What made the story even stranger was that he had simply found the clothing lying unattended in a city park.
Staff, unaware of the true situation, assumed he was the famous athlete arriving for a function with his wife later that evening.
Incredibly, this misunderstanding earned Towsey a complimentary stay and meals worth around £600.
Legal Trouble Follows
Things took a turn when Towsey was later arrested and charged with fraud and “resetting” stolen property, as the outfit he wore had originally been reported missing from a local dress hire store.
During the trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court, prosecutors accepted Towsey’s not-guilty pleas to both charges, acknowledging that he had not been involved in the original theft of the garments.
A “Foolish Drunken Mistake”
Towsey’s defense lawyer, Catriona Logan, described the incident as a “foolish drunken mistake.”
She explained that he had tried to see if anyone would return for the clothing before putting it on himself.
At the time, Towsey was struggling with alcoholism, which contributed to the poor judgment.
Fortunately, the clothing was fully recovered, and no further damage was done.
Turning a New Leaf
The court also heard positive updates about Towsey’s life.
He has now been sober for six months and has taken up work as a kitchen porter at a sports events company.
Sheriff Frank Gill took these improvements into account and resolved to handle the case with a financial penalty rather than harsher measures.
Towsey was ordered to pay a total of £280.
A Lesson Learned
What started as a comical misunderstanding ended with a clear message: even harmless antics can have legal consequences.
Towsey’s story serves as a reminder that a mix of alcohol, mistaken identity, and found clothing can create headlines—and a financial penalty.
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