Duo are cleared over scented candle claim
Charge of fraud in trying to conceal death is withdrawn
A sister and daughter accused of murdering a disabled mum have been cleared of concealing the fact she was dead by burning candles.
Lynnette Greenop, 40, and Shayla Greenop, 20, of Ayr, are on trial accused of murdering 46-year-old Sharon Greenop between September and November, 2016, in their shared home in Troon.
Sharon Greenop, the sister of Lynette and the mother of Shayla, was found in her bed by police on November 10, 2016 and the jury has heard she may have lain dead for weeks.
A pathologist has told the High Court in Glasgow that she had 19 rib fractures and also fractures to her neck, but the cause of death was unascertained. Prosecutor Ashley Edwards withdrew a fraud charge against the pair which alleged that they cleaned up blood, burned scented candles and failed to notify authorities of her death in order to obtain her benefits.
A breach of the peace charge which alleged they made offensive remarks was also withdrawn, as was a charge of theft and of claiming £62.10 a week in carer’s allowance against Lynette Greenop.
Lynette Greenop only faces charges of murdering her sister and also assaulting her by striking her on the head and body on various occasions between November 11, 2009 and September 8, 2016.
Her niece is accused of murder. Both women deny the charges against them. The trial before Lady Carmichael continues.
Charge alleged the pair cleaned up blood and burned scented candles