Accused takes ill, delaying murder trial

A judge has adjourned a murder trial until Monday after the second accused in proceedings fell ill.

Lord Beckett told jurors they would not be able to hear evidence yesterday in the trial of Jason Mooney, 27, and Lynn Kelly, 35.

The two accused deny murdering Christopher Cowie at his home in Golfdrum Street, Dunfermline, on October 15 2019.

Yesterday Lord Beckett told the jurors in the case at the High Court in Edinburgh that Ms Kelly had become unwell and the was unable to proceed.

Mr Mooney and Ms Kelly are facing a total of seven charges.

Jurors heard the contents of a legal document detailing the charges at the start of proceedings on Tuesday.

Among the charges, it is alleged that on October 15 2019, Mr Mooney assaulted Mr Cowie at his flat in Golfdrum Road, Dunfermline, by presenting a knife at him and threatening him with it.

Prosecutors claim in another charge that both Mr Mooney and Ms Kelly assaulted Mr Cowie at his flat by striking him on the head with a mirror and hitting him on his body with a lamp.

It is also alleged that they struggled with him before repeatedly punching and kicking him on the head and body.

Prosecutors then claim that both accused struck him on the leg with a piece of broken mirror “or similar object” before “failing to summon emergency medical assistance” for Mr Cowie.

It is alleged that as a result of their actions, both Mr Mooney and Ms Kelly “did murder” Mr Cowie.

The two accused have entered not guilty pleas to all charges.

The trial, before judge Lord Beckett, continues.