Soldier accused of murder offers to take lie test

A SOLDIER from a Scots regiment charged with murdering his ex-girlfriend offered to take a lie detector test when his account of how she died was challenged in court.

Lance Corporal Trimaan “Harry” Dhillon denies slashing Alice Ruggles’ throat and leaving her to bleed to death in the bathroom of her Gateshead flat last October.

Newcastle Crown Court has heard the accused claim he drove 240 miles from his barracks at Glencorse, Penicuik, to retrieve some clothes from his former partner, whereupon they argued and she attacked him with a carving knife.

Mr Dhillon claimed she died when she accidentally stabbed herself in the neck as he tried to disarm her.

Richard Wright, QC, cross-examining, said to Mr Dhillon: “You broke in, caught her unawares, before she had time to react. Is that what you did?” The 26-yearold signaller denied this.

Mr Wright said Mr Dhillon was 6ft 1in and weighed 12½ stones, while Ms Ruggles was 5ft 2in and weighed three stones fewer.

Mr Wright said the 24-yearold Sky employee died after the knife was drawn against her neck six times.

Mr Dhillon denied it, saying: “If you are that confident, why not give me a lie detector then, sir?”

Judge Paul Sloan, QC, told the court: “That’s not how we conduct proceedings.”

Mr- Dhillon said he did not know how Ms Ruggles suffered bruises to her chest, saying that if he was meant to be so “clever,” he would have an explanation. Mr Wright said: “I don’t suggest you are clever. I suggest you are a liar.”

The jury is expected to retire in the case tomorrow.