The offence was allegedly committed at Venditti’s home on August 1 this year.

But his lawyer Matthew Berlow withdrew from the case when it was last called after being given “divergent instructions”. He said he was unable to continue because Venditti had told social workers that other people were to blame for posting the Facebook messages.

Venditti, of Whitburn, West Lothian, was defended by solicitor Alan Jackson at yesterday’s hearing.