Accused ‘asked for shot of cash’

A DUNDEE murder accused asked an alleged victim for money and drugs a few days before the man was found dead, a court has heard.

Krzysztof Gadecki, 38, denies murdering Ronald Kidd, 40, and Hollie Alexander, 37, at their home address in Rosefield Street between December 8 and 11 last year, claiming he acted in self-defence.

Heidi Smith, 25, was giving evidence at the High Court in Edinburgh about her friendship with the two deceased, and being at their flat on Thursday December 8 — three days before the bodies were found.

Miss Smith said she knew Mr Kidd through them both being heroin users, and Mr Kidd occasionally selling her the drug.

She said through her friendship with Mr Kidd she became friendly with Ms Alexander, regularly visiting them at their flat.

A written statement given to police on December 12 by Miss Smith was read out to the court, in which she referred to “a Polish guy” being in the property on December 8, who she identified in court as Gadecki.

She said she had seen him in the flat before and was aware Gadecki had done tattoos for both Mr Kidd and Ms Alexander.

Part of the statement read: “The Polish guy was asking Ronnie for a shot of cash.

“He wasn’t being aggressive or anything, he was just wanting drugs and money. He said he would do more tattoos for him (Ronnie) and finish the cross tattoo on his leg. Ronnie just said, straight up, ‘no’.

“Ronnie was adamant he was saying no and the Polish guy left shortly after that.”

In another statement, it was revealed Gadecki had offered Mr Kidd a photocopier in return for money or drugs, but Mr Kidd had refused.

The court was previously shown footage of Gadecki’s police interview after he was cautioned. It was put to him by Detective Constable Rachel Bruce that he had committed the alleged murders to steal drugs or money, but Gadecki denied this was the case.

When the officer asked him why witnesses said that Gadecki’s drug use had increased of late, he answered: “No comment.”

Gadecki, of Benvie Road, denies assaulting and murdering Mr Kidd by repeatedly striking him on the head and body with a knife or similar instrument, and denies assaulting and murdering Ms Alexander in a similar manner, claiming he acted in self-defence.

He denies a further charge that he stole various items including a wallet, a sum of money and drugs.

And he denies a fourth charge that having murdered Mr Kidd and Ms Alexander, he attempted to defeat the ends of justice by washing clothing and disposing of a pair of trainers and a mobile phone.

The trial continues.