‘I cannot remember hammer comment’

Steven Jackson, 40, and Michelle Higgins, 29, are accused of killing 37-year-old Kimberley MacKenzie in a flat on Montrose’s Market Street on October 27 2015. They are said to have murdered her by striking her with a hammer, machete and knife.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Higgins was questioned by Jackson’s defence counsel, Donald Findlay QC, about a statement written by a police officer at Bell Street on November 8 2015 after she had been detained.

According to the statement read by Mr Findlay, while letting the accused have a cigarette at an exit door the police officer said to Higgins: “Let’s talk about you.”

Higgins then said: “I hit her on the legs.” The officer said: “With what?” and Higgins replied: “With a hammer.”

After hearing the quotes, Higgins told the jury: “I do not remember the policeman, I do not remember being outside with the policeman. I can’t remember the conversation.”

Mr Findlay suggested it was because Higgins “thought it was an off-the-record conversation”.

Mr Findlay also asked why Higgins had bought the saw which was used to dismember Miss MacKenzie. Higgins said it was because she was “obedient” to Jackson.

Wiping away tears, she added: “I did as he asked and went and got it. That doesn’t make me a murderer.

“I’m disgusted with myself but that doesn’t make me a killer.” Meanwhile, Mark Stewart QC — defending for Higgins — pointed out that his client weighed just six stones in October 2015. He said that Miss MacKenzie was wearing an XL top at the time of her death. Punching his hand to imply Higgins striking Miss MacKenzie, Mr Stewart asked his client what would have happened had she done so. Higgins smiled and said that Miss MacKenzie would have knocked her down. Jackson and Higgins are alleged to have dismembered Miss MacKenzie’s body with a saw, knives and a screwdriver or similar instruments. It is further alleged Miss MacKenzie’s head and other body parts were put inside a rucksack and case and concealed in a shower cubicle. The pair deny the charges and the trial continues.

A WOMAN accused of murdering a Tayside mum-ofthree says she can’t recall telling a police officer that she hit the alleged victim with a hammer.

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