A Glasgow councillor has been found not guilty of allegations of attempting to pervert the course of justice in a row involving a senior religious figure.

Sohan Singh could now be in line for a Labour comeback after a long–term suspension was imposed on him due to an unrelated controversy.

Singh, who is behind the Artto hotel and popular Bombay Blues restaurant in the city, was elected as a Labour councillor for Glasgow North East in 2012.

However, he was suspended by the party within months of getting elected over claims he misused a disabled parking badge at a fire board meeting in Hamilton.

The councillor said of the incident at the time: "I fully accept my behaviour has fallen short of the standards expected of elected officials."

Singh then appeared in court to face serious criminal allegations.

He was on trial this year charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice after allegedly informing a woman that her immigration status would be affected if she continued a complaint against a Hindu priest.

In evidence, the woman alleged that the priest had made inappropriate comments towards her and asked her to spend a night away with him.

She claimed she contacted Singh, a Sikh, after he was recommended to her about helping with her visa application.

The woman claimed she met Singh at the Artto Hotel and alleged in court that he "started a conversation about the Hindu priest case".

She alleged he told her that it "shouldn't go to court" and that "we should talk and resolve this matter".

The woman also told the court: "He said that it can affect your visa status as well."

However, Singh denied the charges and was found not guilty on November 27 by a sheriff. A co-accused was acquitted.

It is understood Singh’s suspension is a matter for Scottish Labour headquarters and will be considered in due course.

A Scottish Labour spokesperson said: "Sohan Singh is suspended by the party and is not a member of the Glasgow Labour group. He has not formally notified the party of this verdict."

Singh could not be reached yesterday.