Man faces trial over OAP's killing

Jul 20 2012

A man accused of murdering an 80-year-old woman in her own home is to stand trial next month.

William Kean, 46, denied killing Janet Methven when he appeared in a public court for the first time.

Prosecutors allege Kean struck Mrs Methven repeatedly on the head and body at her Kildinny Farm cottage in Forteviot, Perthshire, on February 20 this year.

He is also accused of later cutting his finger tips and palms to try and prevent police from obtaining a usable sample of his prints, and of pouring bleach or a similar liquid onto his bloodstained trousers and hiding them in the eaves of a garage.

Defence QC Brian McConnachie entered a plea of not guilty to the charges on Kean's behalf when he appeared for a pre-trial hearing at the High Court in Edinburgh.

He has also lodged a special defence of incrimination, the court was told. Kean faces four charges in total.

The murder charge alleges that he assaulted and killed Mrs Methven - who was also known as Jenny - by hitting her repeatedly on the head and body with a blunt object.

Another charge alleges that Kean stole around £15,000 from Mrs Methven's cottage on September 14 last year.

The court heard that there have been discussions between the Crown and defence over various pre-trial matters. Estimates suggest the trial will last around two weeks, the court heard.

Judge Lord Bracadale fixed the case to begin in Glasgow on Monday August 6.