Son denies murdering Louise Tiffney in Edinburgh flat in 2002

A man has denied murdering his own mother almost 18 years ago at a flat in Edinburgh.

Sean Flynn, of Berlin, Germany, is alleged to have murdered Louise Tiffney on May 27 or 28, 2002 at flat l, 2A Dean Path, Edinburgh, by assaulting her by means unknown to the prosecutor.

He is also charged with attempting to defeat the ends of justice on May 28,2002, by concealing her body in the boot of a Nissan Almera, driving the car to a wooded area beside the A198 near Gosford House, East Lothian, and disposing of the body there and then washing and cleaning the boot.

Flynn did not appear at the High Court in Glasgow and not guilty pleas were entered on his behalf by defence QC Brian Mcconnachie, who is one of Scotland’s leading criminal advocates .

Mr Mcconnachie said: “This is being dealt with in the absence of Mr Flynn. He resides in Germany and there is no way of him attending here at this time.

The defence are not in a position to fix a trial. There is likely to be a defence of incrimination lodged.

“Fifteen days would be an appropriate length of time for the trial.”

Prosecutor Alex Prentice QC revealed the case is likely to be heard in Edinburgh. He said: “I'm satisfied the trial will not last longer than 15 days. The Crown will ask for the trial to be held in Edinburgh because it is an Edinburgh case with Edinburgh witnesses.”

Judge Lord Arthurson set a further preliminary hearing for March 15.