Accused wife: ‘Revenge best served cold’

A WOMAN who allegedly murdered her husband told police ‘revenge is a dish best served cold’, a court heard yesterday.

Lorna Middleton is accused of murdering William Middleton at their flat in Clydebank, Dunbartonshire, on June 26, 2020.

At the High Court in Glasgow, Middleton, 36, denied murdering her husband, known as Billy, and has lodged a special defence of self-defence.

PC Emma Chalk told jurors Middleton had blood on her hands and had tried to headbutt a colleague while handcuffed.

Prosecutor Derick Nelson asked if Middleton said anything to her while under observation. The witness said: ‘She made reference to revenge is a dish best served cold.’

Another witness, Detective Constable Caroline Howatt, was asked if the accused had said anything. She said: ‘She commented as a question, “So I did it?”.’

The officer claimed that Middleton was not examined by a doctor until 11pm after arriving at the police station at 5am.

The court was told she was initially deemed ‘not fit’ for interview.

Donald Findlay, QC, defending, said: ‘She was in custody from 5am through to 11pm, no one thought to take her to hospital?’ Miss Howatt replied: ‘It seems to be.’ Forensic scientist Sarahjane Reid said she examined a blood-stained knife recovered from the flat which had the accused’s DNA on the handle. The trial continues.